#my boss paid me half of my check in advance when I took my week-long vacation

[rambling-robot]

I got out of the practice of staying active and doing new stuff regularly on a small scale. my comfort zone is both a haven and a torment.

[pouryourselfacupoffuckrightoff]

These are fights we are currently in, not something to celebrate having achieved already. You won’t attract workers to your side by claiming you’ve achieved things you haven’t, or haven’t gotten for huge swaths of the working class. I am deeply pro-union, and these memes make me want to tear my hair out.

1. I have worked weekends my whole career. Two days off in a row is something I have had to negotiate for, it has never been standard.

2. I have taken a single paid vacation of one week, also something I had to individually negotiate for and I was retaliated against for taking it when I returned.

3. and 4. I’ve never had paid sick leave. Usually a doctors note has been required to miss a single shift.

5. I’ve seen undocumented kids who were obviously 15 or 16 lie about their age to work. Preventing those kids from working wasn’t going to help them, and I could not take them in myself.

6. I have my doubts that social security will still exist in 25 years when I qualify. I also have some doubts I’ll live that long, so this hasn’t been a great help so far. Fingers crossed in this one. I like social security as a concept.

7. Minimum wage has not changed where I am since I began working. This does not feel like it is offering much protection at the moment.

8. I’ve never had an eight hour day standard (12 to 16 on salary, 4-6 hourly generally)

9. Overtime is a joke. You get scheduled for 39 hours tops or you are salary or you don’t have a job.

10. OSHA is great. They just don’t tend to instigate independent restaurants unless they kill someone, and not even then usually.

11. Over 20 years working full time in America and I have had access employer provided healthcare for 2.5 of them, and it took 1/3 of my monthly check.

12. & 13. I’ve never had vision or dental offered to me.

14. I would love to help restaurant workers access unions outside of chain store environments. This is a hard type of work environment to organize but I think the winds of change are blowing.

15. Breaks aren’t really a thing in the kitchen. You duck out for a smoke or a shit when you have your station set. A good place to work might have a break for family meal but it’s not standard.

16. If my employer is not really stupid, they can fire me for no reason at all, and I have no recourse under wrongful termination laws unless I can prove why they fired me. At-will employment means wrongful termination laws toothless in most cases.

17. Age discrimation laws protect old people but fail to protect the rest of us. It should be illegal to discriminate based on age, full stop, not just because of advanced age.

18. Raises. How exactly have unions helped with raises? The concept of a union might scare employers into paying more? This feels like collective bargaining covers this. Everybody likes a raise!

19. Sexual Harassment Laws. These are good to have. We need to have stronger protections and real consequences, and a way to make it less onerous for victims to pursue justice.

20. ADA is amazing. All credit to the disabled rights activists who crawled up the steps of the Capitol and shamed Congress into acting. This is one of the best things the US has ever done politically.

21. Holiday pay. I have been paid on holidays, so I suppose that counts? Lots of christmases and new years and thanksgivings working. Some bosses were cool and did time and half, some didn’t. It isn’t a right that’s been secured. It’s still something you have to fight for.

22. I don’t want anything to do with this one. Hasn’t touched on my life.

23. Equal Pay Act. I like this law. Good in theory. Difficult to enforce. Legislating pay transparency for everyone will help this become more of a reality. Because I have personally been paid less than my male counterparts more than once. It’s sucks to find out every time.

24. Civil Rights Laws. These are great, let’s enforce them better and strengthen the protections they give.

25. Workers Comp. Until they change drug laws and the health care system in this country, this will always be a joke. If you are injured on the job, the first thing they do at the hospital is drug test you. Pop positive and there goes your healthcare under worker’s comp. A friend spent years suing her former employer’s insurance company who denied her worker’s comp claim because of a positive drug test for prescribed medication.

This fight is not won. None of these bullet points are a victory lap. This is just my personal experience, but I know I’m not alone here.

[ragingbookdragon]

Finding Love In The Louvre

A Bruce Wayne x Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 2.2K Warnings: None

Author's Note: An old story I edited! Enjoy the fluff! -Thorne

The day started as it usually did, her standing by the elevator, waiting for the doors to open so she could hand him his coffee and explain his schedule. Sure enough, the doors opened at eight A.M. on the dot, and he stepped out, briefcase in one hand, phone in the other. He shoved his phone in his pocket, accepting the outstretched coffee she held. He moved quickly, but she kept pace.

“Good morning Mr. Wayne.” He hummed in return, taking a sip of the coffee; she paid no mind, continuing with, “So today you have a board meeting in room one-forty-two,” His mouth opened to complain, but she held up a hand, silencing him, “I can’t put it off any longer, I’ve already tried.” He grumbled in return, causing her to smile lightly as she kept speaking.

“That starts in an hour, and it should end at eleven. I recommend after that you go and check with Lucius about the gala coming up while I order lunch. I should have that ready by twelve-fifteen, then the rest of the day is paperwork and the occasional friendly visit with the office workers.”

By the time she was done, he was taking a seat at his desk, shifting papers around. She stood with her tablet in one hand, the other propped on her hip. “Anything you need me to do before I go sit down?”

He handed her a sheet while he looked at the monitor, waiting for the retina scanner to start. “Fax that to Gotham Academy, if you would.”

She took it, looking it over before asking, “This for Damian’s field trip to the Louvre?” He nodded, and she murmured, “I still can’t believe you managed to talk the headmaster into letting you fly his class to France for a couple days.” She eyed him over the top of the paper. “You know you’re going to have to go, right? You got the trip allowed. It’d look bad on your part if you didn’t go.”

He finally looked over at her, a curious sparkle in his eyes. “Have you ever been to France, (Y/N)?”

She tipped her head side to side. “If you count a plane ride over France while on the way to Holland, then yes. But have I been to France? No.”

Bruce leaned back in his seat, hands curling around the arm rests of his seat. “Do you want to go?”

(Y/N) raised an eyebrow. “And keep an eye on a group of rambunctious teenagers? Uh…no. I already have enough trouble keeping your group in check.” Bruce gave a laugh at her words, but she followed with, “But if you need me to go with Damian, I can work it into the schedule.” He nodded, and she tapped at her screen. “Alright, I’ll fax the paperwork with our information for travel.” She turned, making her way to her desk when his voice reached her.

“Wait! Our inform—I’m going too?”

She simply threw a thumbs up, sitting at her desk.

***

She settled into the cushioned seat, a sigh of relief slipping through her lips.

An amused voice sounded beside her, “Getting comfortable (Y/N)?”

She hummed, pushing the button to recline her seat. “Eight hours in first class? Are you kidding me? Of course, I’m getting comfortable.” Bruce grinned, settling into his seat the same as her. She watched him groan as he lifted his legs, stretching them out.

A knowing tone came up and she said, “I told you not to wear hard-bottomed shoes. You should’ve gone with sneakers.”

“Why do you enjoy torturing me, (Y/N)?”

She laughed at his words, looking over at him. “I tell you not to do things and you do them anyway. It’s not hard to find the chastising humor in it.” Bruce opened his mouth to reply, but it was cut off by a small huff, and they both looked over, seeing his youngest son collapsing into a seat beside them. (Y/N) reached over, gently caressing the top of his head. “Don’t want to hang around with the simpletons anymore, Damian?”

He nodded and closed his eyes, curling up in the seat. “I have never met a group of kids more idiotic than my class.” His eyes flew open, and he leaned across the arm rest, a sneer on his face. “Just last week, that troglodyte Trevor made a comment so ridiculous, even his reasoning was absurd.”

(Y/N) nodded and asked, “What’d he say?”

Damian scoffed and replied, “He said that he wanted to be like Achilles because he looked cool.” She waved a hand for him to continue. “So, I said, ‘Really, you want to be a man that throws a tantrum when he doesn’t get his way?’ And this fool had the audacity to look at me like I had just asked him-”

His rant was cut off by Bruce, who said, “Damian, enough.”

Damian rolled his eyes whispering, “I cannot stand how stupid they are.”

(Y/N) snorted, leaning close and telling him, “Give them a chance, Damian.” The look he gave her made her wish she’d had a camera, and she continued with, “You have to remember, these people haven’t been schooled like you have. You’re more advanced than the average thirteen-year-old. They’re still learning how to switch classes without a teacher escorting them.”

Damian leaned back, a look of thought on his face, then he retorted, “They are still stupid.”

(Y/N) reached over, handing him a book. “Here kiddo. Keep yourself occupied.”

He took the book, flipping it over. “What is this, ‘Hell Divers’ about?” (Y/N) popped a cracker in her mouth, pointing to the back. He read it silently, then made a motion to hand it back. “Doesn’t look interesting.”

(Y/N) swallowed and put another cracker in her mouth, shifting it to the side of her cheek with her tongue as she pushed the book back. “I brought the whole series.” She grinned at him, holding up the set. “I bet you can’t read the entire thing by the time we land.”

Damian scowled, snatching the books from her, and opening the first one. She gave a satisfied smile and turned back to the front when she felt eyes on her. (Y/N) looked over, seeing Bruce staring at her, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

She raised an eyebrow questioning, “What?”

He tipped his chin towards Damian. “How’d you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Get him to read something he didn’t find interesting?”

(Y/N) reached over and condescendingly patted his arm. “The same way I get you to buy new suits every gala.”

Bruce looked at her in confusion. “And that way is?”

(Y/N) reclined in her seat, pulling her blanket up to her chin and pulling the eye mask down her eyes. “I tell you that someone there might be able to out dress you, and that spurs you to make sure you look the best.”

She couldn’t see him, but she could picture his face and arms as he pouted, “So you manipulate me?”

“With all the care and affection you need Mr. Wayne.” And that was all she said before rolling over and curling up and drifting off.

***

“And stay with your guides at all times! Chaperones, if you get lost or separated from your guide, you have Mr. Wayne and my cellphone numbers, please call, do not stay lost!” (Y/N) looked at the chaperones and guides. “Does everyone understand?” Cheers and nods came from all sides, and she waved them off. “Then be free! Curfew is at nine P.M.! Be there before nine, please! And be careful!” Her words fell on deaf ears as the groups dispersed, and she groaned lightly, rubbing her temples.

A hand rested on her lower back and she looked up, seeing Bruce smiling at her. “Don’t worry so much, (Y/N). Everyone will be fine.” She nodded, trusting his words, then he tipped his head to the side. “Damian’s hailed a cab. Let’s go hit the Louvre, then we’ll go to lunch.” She followed him to where Damian was holding the car door and slid inside.

***

The drive didn’t take long, and soon they were walking around the museum. Damian had wandered off, waving his hand, and saying, “I can handle myself.”

She and Bruce simply nodded, watching him go before they set off themselves. They walked around, observing the pieces, until (Y/N) saw a particular one. Her feet sunk into the ground and she stopped, staring at it in admiration.

Bruce glanced between them. “Nike?”

She nodded, telling him, “I remember learning about her in Humanities back in community college, but I never actually imagined ever seeing her.” (Y/N) paused, a calm look coming across her face. “Pictures don’t do her justice. She’s more impressive than I thought. And bigger.”

Bruce listened to her, then asked quietly, “Do you like art, (Y/N)?”

She tipped her head side to side. “Here and there. I like pieces that catch my eye or look interesting.” She glanced at him. “I really enjoy history and science museums.” (Y/N) reached over, nudging him in the side. “Maybe for the next fieldtrip, you can fly us to D.C., and we can hit the Smithsonian.” (Y/N) stepped away and nodded to the next room. “C’mon, let’s go to the next exhibit.”

He fell into step beside her and as they observed the next piece he murmured, “Would you like to go to the Smithsonian, (Y/N)?”

She half focused on his words, absentmindedly replying, “Whenever the next field trip comes up, sure.”

A gentle grip took her hand and she looked over, seeing a serene look in his eyes, and he asked, “No…would you like to go to the Smithsonian…with me?”

(Y/N) blinked, then gestured clumsily between them. “Like…just us?” He nodded and she clarified, “Me and you…together?” He nodded again, a smile accompanying it, and she couldn’t help but ensure, “No one else? Just…us?”

Bruce huffed a laugh, gently squeezing her hand. “Just us.”

(Y/N) felt her cheeks warm, and she looked down, mumbling, “Oh…I…I don’t know if the schedule is clear…”

Another squeeze followed by, “As the boss, I can clear any and all plans made.”

Her heart fluttered at his words, but she pushed it aside, glancing back at him, her eyes firm. “Are you being serious with me right now? You’re not pulling joke?”

Bruce’s eyebrows furrowed and he admitted, “I don’t actually know if I should be offended that you think I’m playing a joke or not, but to answer your question, no, I’m not pulling a joke.” He let go of her hand, trailing his fingers up her forearm, the other arm curling around her. “I’m being one-hundred percent serious.”

He gave her a smile, blue eyes shining. “I would like it if you spent the weekend with me in D.C.” He paused, lips pulling downwards as he added, “Or just spent the weekend with me. We don’t have to go anywhere…if we’re together, that’s all that matters to me. I just really want you—”

(Y/N) cut him off, pressing her lips to his cheek. He grinned at her, watching as she murmured, “I would love to go to D.C. with you, Bruce.” She pulled away, slipping out of his grip, and wandering off towards the next room. He stared at her back, heart thumping in his chest when a voice sounded below him.

“Took you long enough.” His mood soured, and he looked down, seeing Damian standing there, arms crossed over his chest.

“When did you get here?” He asked.

Damian glanced up at him and muttered, “Since the start of your embarrassing courting.” Bruce reached over and ruffled his hair, laughing at how Damian slapped his hand, a glare in his eyes.

“It wasn’t embarrassing.”

“Not to you. But the others were considering throwing up.”

Bruce’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “Others?”

Damian simply held up his phone, and Bruce looked into the eyes of his other sons who were returning his gaze, albeit smugly.

“So, (Y/N)’s finally gonna join the fray? Cool!”

A hand shoved Dick’s head aside, and Jason looked into the camera. “I’m seriously surprised it took you this long, old man. I mean, how long has she been your secretary? When Dick got there?”

A new voice picked up from the side, and Tim’s head squeezed into view. “Actually, (Y/N) was there before Dick got there. She was there when Bruce started working at W.E.”

Dick’s head shoved Jason’s aside, and his snarky grin appeared. “But the point is, nice going, Bruce! It’s only taken you like seventeen years to get her to go out with you! You must be one weird guy for it to take so long. Maybe it’s because—”

At this point, Bruce had grunted, turning on his heel and marching off after (Y/N). Dick sputtered through the camera, “Damian! Go after him! I haven’t finished explaining his problems!”

“There’s not enough time in the world to explain all the old man’s problems.”

“You’re one to talk, Jason.”

“I dare you to say that to my face replacement.”

Damian rolled his eyes, shutting off the phone and walking after his father, a smug smirk playing at his lips.

[unitchiefs-blackbirdphoenix]

Maybe In Another Life...

Summary: JJ is jealous of Andrew Mendoza because he has Emily and she doesn’t. Loosely from 15x07 "Rusty". Major spoilers if you haven’t seen it yet.

Jemily fic, but it’s a little bit of a sad one. I apologize in advance for breaking any hearts :(

Also big thanks to @bridget19 for beta-reading this!!

Read on AO3

Emily walked into her office and saw a bouquet of flowers on her desk. She saw a little red card in the bouquet and looked at the writing on it.

Thinking of you. - Andrew

Reaching for her phone in her bag, she saw her boyfriend’s name on the screen. Of course. She contemplated answering after four rings and sighed before tapping on the red circle to reject his call.

Emily didn’t know exactly where her relationship with Andrew Mendoza stood. This was a whole new experience for her because, sure, he’s a good guy, but is he really the one for her? She never did well in long-term relationships because of her trust and commitment issues. Emily always felt like someone could never love her enough to stay with her in the long run.

She sat down in her chair and heard a light knock at her office door. It was JJ giving her a bright smile and walking towards her desk.

“Morning,” the blonde greeted. “Another day, another dollar,” she sat on the armrest of the chair in front of it.

“Yep. Good old fashioned government dollar,” Emily joked.

“I can see Garcia hit up her favorite coffee truck on her way to work.”

“I had to cut her off,” Emily said. Garcia was more energetic than usual talking about the show they both watched, something about a blonde agent getting injured and professing her undying love to her female boss.

JJ smiled and nodded. “Wait, don’t you have a budget meeting this morning?”

Emily checked her watch. “Uh, yes, I do.”

JJ nodded again and drawled out, “Emily…”

The unit chief looked up and raised her eyebrows, “Yeah?”

“You buried the lead. Flowers?”

Emily hesitantly nodded.

“That Andrew Mendoza’s a keeper…” JJ teased.

“Mhmm,” Emily forced out a response as she stood from her chair, grabbing her black binder and phone for the FBI budget meeting.

“Can’t be late for that meeting,” she told the blonde as she made her way out of her office, tapping her shoulder with the binder.

“Mhmm,” JJ responded with a closed-mouth smile, watching Emily leave. She looked back at the flowers Andrew sent to Emily and her smile quickly faded away. JJ observed them with narrowed eyes, gripping the back of the chair a little tighter and harder than normal.

For a group of profilers, rarely anyone noticed JJ’s jealousy towards Andrew. When it came to the team’s love lives, she’d always smirked because it was just too fun to tease them about.

She reminded herself on many occasions that she had Will and her boys. Don’t get her wrong, she loves her family and has always made them one of her biggest priorities in life. But JJ also knew she would be a lot happier, if she shared her life with Emily Prentiss.

God, to be married to Emily Prentiss.

JJ smiled wistfully at the thought of being married to her. She would be so good with her sons. JJ knew Emily wanted to provide the maternal care she never had growing up, and imagined her giving that to Henry and Michael. Emily was also very loving and always listened to JJ’s problems, every rant and issue she had.

JJ knew Mendoza was a good guy. He’s good for Emily. The blonde bit her lip and stood from the armrest she was sitting on. She looked at the flowers again when she neared the door and took a slow deep breath, sighing. After a few more seconds, JJ left Emily’s office in sadness.

----------------------

The next day, the team was on the jet, going over the case with Garcia on video chat. The BAU had been called on another case and they had an unsub decapitating male victims and collecting their heads. They looked through their file folders for more details on their unsub’s victims, and all of a sudden, the tech analyst chimed in with a comment.

“Shut the front door. Andrew Mendoza signed this report.” Everyone’s heads shot up at her remark. “Andrew Mendoza is Prentiss’s boyfriend. He’s the head of the Denver field office?”

“Uh, yes,” Emily reluctantly replied. “He has been for the past, uh, two months. Um, his daughter and ex-wife moved to Colorado a year ago, and he'd been waiting for a transfer so he could be closer to Keely. She starts high school soon, so…”

Emily felt like she had just divulged a little too much to the team, and kept her mouth shut after receiving the awkward silence from them. She knew the case was in Denver, which was where Andrew was, but she wanted to keep her personal and work lives separate.

“But you guys are, um, you’re good?” Luke’s voice broke through.

“Yeah, yeah. It’s all good,” Emily nodded. Well, it was a half-lie because she didn't know.

Spencer looked at JJ, then Emily, then back to JJ. He studied her facial expression go from surprise, jealousy, amusement, to heartbreak. He didn’t know if the others noticed, but he trained his eyes on her when Penelope had mentioned Andrew.

JJ had been shot by Everett Lynch’s daughter, Grace, about a month ago. While in the hospital, she had told Spencer the truth about her confession she made to the unsub who made her play truth or dare the week before: that she was really in love with Emily. JJ thought if she was about to die in that situation, she had already trusted Spencer enough to keep that secret. The younger co-worker figured it wasn’t meant for him once he saw how she kept glancing over at Emily at Rossi's wedding, especially when JJ paid extra attention to her during the twin flames speech.

JJ had her head down as she quietly scanned through the file again the entire time. She frowned and her eyes were filled with sadness and a hint of regret, Spencer noted. Practically rolling her eyes, JJ didn't bother listening to the team talking about Mendoza.

“JJ, Reid, check out the latest crime scene. Tara, Luke, go to the M.E.’s office,” Emily ordered.

JJ nodded her head towards Spencer, who nodded back. He noticed she masked her pain behind her eyes with a smile when she did. Maybe they’ll talk about it later.

----------------------

JJ and Spencer had just investigated the unsub’s latest victim’s house before concluding that they needed more evidence from eyewitnesses for information on his behavior. After asking a few people, the two drove their way back to the field office.

JJ was focused on the road in front of her and Spencer examined her body language. His friend was gripping the steering wheel so tight that her knuckles had turned white. She bit the inside of her cheek, and her eyes narrowed while her brows furrowed.

“JJ,” Spencer broke the silence.

She turned her head to glance at him, “What?”

“Your grip on the steering wheel is tighter than normal and the tone of your voice sounded controlled when you answered me, like you were holding back on something.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Does this have to do with Emily and Mendoza?”

JJ rolled her eyes, still focused on the road. “If Emily’s with him, then good for her.”

“What about when Garcia brought him up when we were on the jet?”

The blonde agent had enough. She took a turn to the nearest vacant spot and parked the SUV near the curb. She turned the engine off and faced the younger man. JJ quickly clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath.

“Stop it, j- just stop. Please just… stop talking about Andrew, ok? I don’t want to talk about his relationship with Emily. I have to keep telling myself she’s happy with him and I have a life of my own now. So, I am begging you to stop,” JJ vented out to him. She felt tears pricking at her eyes towards the end of her rant.

“I was worried about you, JJ. I don’t like seeing my best friend hurt like this,” Spencer frowned as his eyes softened.

JJ shook her head to stop her tears from falling, but felt one single tear trail down. She bit her bottom lip, so she would not start sobbing.

“I- look, I’m sorry for snapping at you, Spence,” JJ sincerely apologized, rubbing her fingers in an attempt to soothe her worries. She knew he meant well and that he hates seeing her in pain, especially if it’s over the woman she loves. “It’s just that-”

JJ exhaled out another deep breath to compose herself. “There were flowers Andrew sent Emily, and I had to bring them over to her desk before she came in her office.”

The delivery man had arrived at the FBI building, holding a bouquet of flowers. He looked around to see if there was anyone expecting them. He saw a blonde woman pass by and quickly caught her attention.

“Excuse me. Are you Emily Prentiss?” He read his clipboard to check the name.

“Oh, no. I’m sorry, I’m not her,” JJ shook her head and smiled.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” he frowned. “I got flowers for her from someone named Andrew Mendoza,” he gestured to the bouquet.

JJ froze for a second and she heard her heart shatter before responding with a polite smile, the one she used in her past liaison days. “I can leave them in her office, if that’s ok.”

“Thank you. Can you sign this for her?”

“Of course.”

After signing the clipboard and thanking the delivery man for Emily’s flowers, JJ took them and walked up to the brunette’s office. She held the flowers in her hands and frowned deeply. 'Things must be getting serious, then?' JJ wished she was the one bringing her flowers and not… him. She set the bouquet down on Emily's desk before leaving her office.

“What am I going to do?” JJ rested her forehead on the steering wheel, still gripping it. “Things seem to be going well with him and I don't think I'll ever make her that happy, not the way Andrew does. I really lost my chance with her 12 years ago,” she sighed in defeat.

“13 years, 1 day, 17 hours, 34 minutes, and 6 seconds, to be exact,” Spencer corrected her.

“Was I really that obvious?” JJ chuckled.

The doctor shrugged, “I’ve noticed you subconsciously having similar habits to Emily, like playing with your fingers and biting your lip when you’re nervous, or even dressing up similarly to her. You stare at her whenever she's not looking, for approximately 4.78 seconds. Your body seems less tense when you hear her voice, almost as if that’s the only thing that calms you down. Your pupils dilate and your cheeks turn red every time she gives you a compliment and-”

JJ cut him off with a laugh, "Ok, I think I get it."

"Oh," he quickly shut his mouth, not realizing he was rambling again.

“Spence?”

He looked at her.

“Thank you. For keeping this secret between us,” JJ said.

“It’s no problem. You are my best friend,” Spencer gave a small awkward nod.

JJ gratefully smiled at him and patted his shoulder before turning the engine on again to drive back to the field office.

----------------------

“Coffee?” JJ announced her and Spencer’s presence, holding cups for Luke and Tara. They gathered evidence that the unsub was dealing with alternate realities, and found themselves getting a little closer to finding him and what his motives are.

“Look, guys, we are banging our heads against a wall here,” Tara said. “I mean, Denver is littered with colleges, and we’ve already worked our way through most of the academics and scientists.”

“Well, you know what? We just need to take a step back and look at things differently,” JJ said. “The Mandela effect is a unique psychological construct, right? I mean, there’s got to be a good reason why he latched onto it in particular.”

“Well, creation of dissociative realities can often be a crutch for people who’ve suffered extreme trauma,” Spencer started with a fact that may be a clue to the unsub’s motive.

After a beat, Tara nodded and considered his statement, “Ok, let’s run with that. We’re looking for a loss triggered by an event likely caused by the unsub himself, and then this inability to accept this reality would be a defense mechanism for a mind racked with guilt.”

“So, unable to face reality, our unsub has created his own,” Luke connected.

“Still doesn’t explain why he’s killing fathers, though,” Spencer said after taking a sip of his coffee.

Luke shook his head and elaborated on the theory, “Unless it does. Say his own guilt is a major factor in a break like this. That would mean that he's picking out dads out of some kind of self-loathing.”

“This isn’t hatred towards his own dad,” JJ realized. “These men are surrogates for him. He’s angry at himself. Our unsub’s the father here.”

JJ recalled her colleagues’ words. She thought about the idea of parallel universes in that moment. Was she relating to the unsub? Had she subconsciously made an alternate reality where she and Emily were together because of her own guilt? It wasn’t the appropriate time to dwell on that thought, then again, when has she ever found the right time?

----------------------

The team had just finished solving the case, and were heading back to the hotel they were staying at. It was almost midnight and most of them were already in their hotel rooms. Emily had come back from visiting Mendoza and his daughter, Keely. JJ was in the hallway grabbing a small pack of Cheetos from a vending machine near her room.

Emily shook her head and smirked, Some things never change.

JJ was walking back to her room and smiled when she saw Emily, waving a hand at her. The younger woman decided it was the perfect time to talk to her since she wasn’t with Andrew.

She jogged up to the unit chief, “Hey.”

“Hey.”

“Uh, listen. I know it’s late right now, but… do you maybe wanna hang out for a bit? Just you and me,” the blonde quietly offered, placing her free hand into her pocket.

Emily nodded, “I’d like that.”

JJ gave a soft nervous chuckle before the two women walked to the younger agent’s room. JJ opened the door and held it open for Emily to step inside.

She lightly scratched her head and pointed at a plastic bag on the table near the TV, “Um… the team went out for dinner and I might’ve saved you some food, since you weren’t there.”

“Heh, thanks,” Emily said, acknowledging JJ’s considerate action and sitting on her bed..

The younger woman sat next to her. It was an openly awkward silence between the two agents, which was rare because they usually found ways to entertain one another. After a little while, JJ broke the silence.

“So, parallel universes, huh?”

“Yep,” Emily chuckled.

“Do you believe in all that?”

“Hmm?”

JJ grew quiet, “That there are multiple universes that have several possibilities we don’t really think about often?”

The unit chief looked at her hands for a moment before responding, “Sometimes, yeah. Do you?”

JJ slowly nodded in agreement, “Sometimes.” She was wringing her hands, something she did when she was nervous and didn’t know how to put things into words. “You know when my mom came to town, she told me about imagined futures and projecting yourself in them. Like a movie about how your life would play out, if you had things your way and it got me thinking.”

“About?”

She contemplated on her next words and squinted her eyes at the floor, recalling a memory a little while back. “Emily, do you remember when you said something about twin flames at Krystall and Dave’s wedding? That sometimes, it takes a parallel universe for them to be together again?”

“Yeah. I’m surprised you even remembered that,” Emily said.

JJ silently nodded and gently took Emily’s hand in hers, rubbing small circles with her thumb. The unit chief looked down at their hands and furrowed her brows in confusion.

JJ slowly licked her lips before making eye contact with her. It’s now or never. “Do you think maybe in another lifetime… you’d ever give us a shot? You know… together?”

Emily’s eyes widened, registering what she just heard, “JJ-“

“No, you’re right. I’m sorry I told you this, Emily,” JJ regretted and tried to stand up, but was stopped by a hand gently pulling her wrist.

“No, it’s not that. It’s-“ Emily gestured for her to sit down. “I just didn’t know you felt that way about me."

JJ shook her head, “I’m sorry. I- I didn’t know how to tell you this and I know it’s already too late.” She couldn’t stop the tears that were falling and she felt soft hands cup her face to wipe them away.

“Hey, hey. It’s ok,” the brunette soothed her nerves. “It’s ok, I got you.”

JJ leaned into Emily’s gentle caring touch. She raised her hands up to where Emily’s rested, and held onto them. “I- I talked to Spence the time I was shot and told him I was in love with you. I told him if things were different, I would have a chance with you. I sometimes think about how life would be if… we were together. I would’ve shared the boys with you, Emily. They love you and you love them. I would’ve loved being called your wife.”

JJ took a sharp intake of breath before letting out a bitter laugh and shaking her head, “You helped me through so much and came every time I needed you. You know, there were so many moments I kept wishing for something more, and it confused me because I didn’t realize how much happier I felt with you around.” She felt a salty tear trickle down her lips and sniffled, “I love you, Emily. And I’m sorry it took me years to say it out loud because I’m a coward.”

Emily listened to her and processed everything she just said. JJ really was in love with her all these years. It wasn’t just in her head. She was still silent and it made JJ want to run away in shame and guilt.

JJ’s eyes widened in fear as she rapidly blinked. She shook her head, mouth opening and closing as she tried to explain herself, “Emily, I- I-”

“Hey, breathe. Just breathe, ok, JJ?” Emily softened. She pressed their foreheads together to calm JJ’s nerves. “Just listen to my voice and look at me, ok? I’m here.”

JJ took deep breaths and listened to Emily while making eye contact with her through her eyelashes. The older woman wrapped an arm around JJ’s shoulders and pulled her close. “How about we lay down? Is that ok?” Emily suggested and JJ nodded.

The two scooted up to the pillows and Emily still held the younger woman close to her body. JJ felt herself relax in her warm and comforting embrace, eyes fluttering closed to take all of this in. Emily slowly rubbed big circles on JJ’s back and kissed her soft blonde hair.

After about two minutes, JJ lifted her head and blue eyes scanned Emily’s features. She raised her left hand to brush brown bangs away from her forehead. JJ silently asked Emily if it’s ok, and the unit chief nodded, knowing what her question was. The two always were best at silent communication with each other.

So, the blonde leaned closer and they both closed her eyes, listening to their nervous yet steady breaths. JJ closed the gap between them and their lips connected perfectly, like they were each other’s missing puzzle pieces the entire time. Emily tucked in a piece of hair behind JJ’s ear and brushed a thumb against her cheek.

Holding the back of her neck, JJ adjusted her body to straddle the brunette’s hips. Emily carefully sat up and cupped each side of her face. Both women thought the amount of passion in their kiss would make up for the time they’ve lost together. Tonight was the only time they really had the chance to be together, with no worry in the world. There was no Andrew, no Will, none of the members of the team or their troubled pasts. It was just JJ and Emily as lovers for tonight.

Emily reluctantly pulled away to rest their foreheads together, while JJ’s eyes were still closed and blindly chasing after her lips. The younger woman’s hand was still buried in dark hair as she slowly opened her eyes, licking her lips. She saw Emily’s pupils dilated from the almost heated kiss and chest heaving to regulate her breathing back to normal. Emily gave JJ a short and sweet kiss before JJ laid back down beside her.

“You know, I was kinda wishing we’d done more than just that,” Emily admitted quietly.

JJ nodded against her shoulder, “Me too. But we can’t.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m sorry for everything,” JJ said, her head now in the crook of Emily’s neck and sighing. “I wish I’d said something before.”

Emily bit her bottom lip and looked at the ceiling, “I wish I’d said something, too.”

“Maybe in another life…”

“Yeah," Emily softly said. She didn't need to hear the rest because she thought the same thing. Her hand made its way down to connect with JJ’s, squeezing it lightly to know that everything is going to be ok.

JJ glanced down at their joined hands and raised them up to her lips to kiss the older woman’s knuckles. “You know, I remember joking around with Spence one time that it was his and Penelope’s job to get Henry into Yale. I didn’t even realize you went to Yale. I guess I really was thinking about you the entire time, huh? I think I wanted Henry to follow in your footsteps.”

Emily raised her eyebrows in amusement, “Wow.” She blushed and looked down at their hands, hiding a small grin, “You really wanted Henry to be like me?”

“In a way, yeah,” the blonde agent nodded, running her thumb over Emily’s. “Well, maybe without the goth phase in high school…”

Emily playfully shoved her and JJ laughed. She cringed at that goddamn awful photo Garcia had pulled up once and teased her about, “I’m never going to live that down, am I?”

JJ shook her head, smiling, and Emily groaned.

“To be honest, I’ve always imagined us living in Charlottesville, for some reason,” JJ stared at the ceiling, getting lost in her thoughts. “Maybe when we retire, we’d find a nice, stable home for us and the kids, you know? I think I want a place to finally settle down and not worry so much about what we deal with on a daily basis. Maybe we’d actually see our kids grow up and not miss out on that. There’s some wineries and vineyards we could go to… and this really good restaurant I could show you sometime, if we ever have a day off. Some places we could hike, you know if you’re up for it…” she winked at her.

Emily nodded, “That sounds nice. As for the hiking, that’s a definite no.”

JJ softly laughed and kissed her cheek, sighing contentedly, “What about you? What’s your alternate reality?”

Emily smiled, “Remember that story I told you about my grandfather’s home in the French Alps? I always thought that once we retire from the BAU, we’d go up there after our kids graduate high school. I kinda thought about taking his place up there after he died. You know, just to get away from things. Maybe you could ski with the kids and I’d be inside making us some tea and hot chocolate. We’d gather around a little fire and, I don’t know, make some crafty things.”

JJ nodded and lifted her head to look at her, “You still haven’t answered my question earlier. Would you have considered it?”

Emily let out a chuckle and pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead, “I wouldn’t even hesitate.”

“I love you, Emily. I want you to know that,” JJ whispered, leaning back up to kiss her again.

Emily smiled sadly as she responded with, “Always, blackbird. I will always love you, too.”

Tonight was just them, JJ and Emily, no one else. They can worry about the rest tomorrow. For now, this was their chance to be together. A thought crossed Emily’s mind as she remembered her own speech about twin flames:

Twin flames. Two souls that are always meant to be together. Sometimes it takes time, sometimes it takes a parallel universe or something. But the thing about twin flames is that nothing can keep them apart. They are a magic unto themselves, and together, they light the way for all of us.

Now looking back at it, she remembered how her eyes kept darting back to JJ’s at the wedding. The way the ghost of a frown was on JJ’s face as she squeezed Will’s hand in reassurance, or how JJ snuck a little smile at Emily when she stood in between her husband and her long-lost lover. The following events when JJ was shot, Emily remembered how her heart rate increased on the monitor once she entered the hospital room to check up on her.

Was Emily so blind to realize that JJ loved her back? She had missed all those signs JJ had displayed over the years. They could have been together, if only both of them said something sooner.

This was their time, their time alone. This universe gave them this night together. Only in another life, would they be together for certain.

[malumsmermaid]

I’d Do Anything Bonus Chap 5

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: Language? Other than that, super soft and mushy, Cashly in quarantine content

Word Count: 2,575

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The trio were relaxing at home, the first day of working from home coming up soon, having given themselves and their employees a few days to get settled and attempt to relax a bit before thinking about what needed to be done.

Ashton had just started his afternoon yoga routine, deciding to come outside for a bit, unrolling his yoga mat across the grass as a light breeze tossed his raven curls. Calum had followed his boyfriend out after putting basketball shorts on his bare lower body, Duke and Smokey trotting behind him as he settled into the cushions of the bench, scooping the small dog into his lap as he exposed his newly pink hair to the sun, having gotten an impulsive idea during their supply shop the day before.

Lily was the last out, changing from one of Ashton’s old band tees to her swimsuit she’d gotten the spring before, when it was just her and Calum. She’d spent the morning talking on the phone with Michael, listening to the blonde talk about the game he’d been developing over the past six months. He’d had her do vocals for one of the characters the week before and was going to be spending the day listening through the files to put them in place and wanted to ask her if she’d test the game when it was far enough along, devolving into updates and then Animal Crossing, Michael having gotten an advance copy of the game so he could post a review and then disappearing once the review was posted to his blog, lost in island life.

Calum’s attention drifted to Lily as she finally stepped through the back door and onto the patio, Smokey’s life jacket in one hand and a tennis ball in the other. She called the pit bull to her, strapping him into the life vest before showing him the ball, walking to the edge of the pool’s deep end. He trotted after her, bouncing as she raised the ball, flinging it towards the shallow end, both she and the dog jumping in as the ball landed in the water. She surfaced, wiping the water from her eyes and watching the shark fin on top of Smokey’s back wobble back and forth as he paddled after the tennis ball. Once he had it in his mouth he turned, tail whipping the water as he swam to his mama, presenting her the soaked and slobbery ball to throw again.

When Smokey got tired of playing fetch he swam to the stairs, climbing out and shaking off, trotting over to the sunny patio with the ball in his mouth. Calum took off the life jacket and Smokey laid down at his feet, ball still in the dog’s mouth as he stretched across the warm wood. Lily managed to swim two lazy laps before Ashton finished his yoga routine, rolling up his mat and walking over, sticking his feet in the water. She grinned from across the pool, ducking under the water and swimming over to where he was seated. His hazel eyes tracked her underwater figure, surfacing right in front of him. She rested her arms at the top of his knees, pushing herself up closer to him. He leaned down closer to her, “Getting me wet, sweets.” He said lowly, smile on his face.

“How the tables have turned,” she returned cheekily, smiling at his raised eyebrows.

He shook his head as she moved her arms off his legs, sinking back into the water. Ashton turned his head towards the sky, basking in the warmth of the early spring day. He felt Lily’s arms wrap around his legs but didn’t think much of it until the next thing he knew, he was underwater. Lily kicked off the wall, speeding to the other end of the pool before he resurfaced.

Calum had seen this coming the second Ashton started moving to sit poolside, getting his phone out to record. He was curled up in a fit of giggles as Ashton flicked his hair out of his face before swimming after their girlfriend. With his height and strength giving him an advantage he easily caught up with Lily, Calum catching his breath and carefully setting his phone on the patio table, propped up by his pop socket, checking the frame before saying, “Gonna go rescue my girl from our boy.”

He ran across the yard, leaping from the side of the pool and pulling his legs to his chest as he cannonballed into the water, sending up a massive splash, surprising Ashton to the point that he let go of Lily. She swam towards the center of the waves that now filled the pool, hiding behind Calum as he surfaced. “You’re both so gonna pay for that,” Ashton said, hazel eyes glinting playfully as he pulled his arm back.

The effects of Calum deciding they had to binge Avatar and Korra over the rainy weekend were clear as the three of them began flinging water at each other, spreading out across the pool as both dogs stared on from the safety of the patio.

~~~~~

The next day they were sitting in their home office, waiting for people to begin to log in to their first meeting of the week. All three of them had only dressed for work from the waist up, planning to wheel around the room if they had to get something from elsewhere. They were crowded around Ashton’s computer, just barely fitting three bodies into the frame.

Kelsey was the first to pop into the video chat, grinning as she realized this fact and calling, “That’s definitely not six feet you three!”

Lily blushed and Ashton easily shot back, “It’s either this or all three of us being picked up on each other’s computers and creating an echo loop.”

Kelsey just grinned in response, holding up her hands in acceptance as more people joined the virtual meeting.

The first meeting went well, just a discussion of what needed done and giving updates to the three heads of the company, Lily sliding her laptop onto the corner of Ashton’s desk to read attachments and make notes. They traded jokes back and forth as they spoke until the meeting broke up, everyone going to their next task for the day, whether for work or just cleaning up around the house.

Ashton opened the link for their next meeting, a slight energy of anxiety filling the air around the three as they waited. Duke jumped from the couch where he’d been laying with Smokey and pawing at Calum��s leg at the change in the room. Calum lifted the small dog into his lap, scratching between his ears as Ashton turned, giving Calum and Lily each a kiss, trying to be reassuring in their plan as the first member of the finance board popped into the room.

Once all five finance members had gathered Ashton started the meeting, “The three of us had a discussion over dinner last night, and had an idea. I know we’re already paying everyone working from home holiday pay, so they’re getting a week and a half worth of pay every week, but before we left the office Thursday we didn’t discuss any changes on behalf of the people whose jobs can’t be done from home. Calum, Lily and I agreed that they should be getting double their usual pay and—“

Ashton was cut off by one of the men in the meeting. “The economy is tanking because of this panic and you want to risk our company’s money paying people more, Mr. Irwin?”

Ashton stiffened, clenching his jaw and squaring his shoulders as he glared into the camera, “Can think of one way to cut some costs, Jerry.” He stated, the CEO’s voice low and dangerous.

“Ashton,” Lily warned softly, hand coming to rest on his thigh.

Jerry pressed his lips together as Ashton pushed back from the desk, stepping away from the meeting for a moment, Lily’s gaze following him as Calum took control, his tone clipped as he addressed the murmuring men in their own offices. “These employees we’re discussing are real people out there risking their own health as they continue to work. Now if you’d let Ashton finish you would’ve learned that we’d already found a solution to what you brought up. Together, Ashton, Lily, and I all make more than enough to keep ourselves afloat for however long we have to be in this situation, so we thought we could cut costs by not being paid until everyone is clear to go back to work, whenever that happens. Not having to pay the three highest ranking members of the company should easily cover any deficit of paying extra to those who can’t work from home.” Calum paused, glancing toward’s Lily her gaze on the office doorway, Ashton having exited the room, “And, as Ashton so kindly inferred, we could easily make it four if you still have a problem with it, Jerry. As you usually do whenever we have an idea for helping our employees that could potentially impact your ability to make yacht club payments.”

Lily bit her lip, holding back a laugh as Jerry’s face turned red, the other four members of the board doing the same. “Shoulda never agreed to work at a company where my bosses are young enough to be my children,” he spat before disconnecting.

Calum watched as the cameras shifted to fill the empty space glancing towards Lily as he said, “So I suppose we need to email HR before we find Ash, Lil.”

She nodded, opening a new email as he leaned back in his chair, listening as the other four men discussed the necessary movements to make the changes that had been suggested. Once it seemed like they had everything handled, Calum spoke, tone bright again, “Jaime, how’re you guys adjusting to having the kids home?” Jaime grinned, smiling as he replied, “Getting there, Bri and I have only managed to step on legos twice this morning. He has the kids now.”

Calum nodded, lips pulling into a smirk as Pete called, “Twice each or total?”

The entire group fell into laughter at that, the tension in the room easing. Lily sent her email and closed her laptop, pressing a kiss to Calum’s cheek before whispering “Gonna go check on Ash.”

“I’ll join you both in a minute, he’s probably in the gym,” he said softly, squeezing her hand before she waved goodbye to the other four men, wheeling her chair to her desk outside the camera frame, putting her laptop in the center before getting to her feet and walking out.

Sure enough, she found Ashton in their home gym, work shirt torn off so he was now only in his boxers, gloves covering his hands as he attacked the punching bag, rock music filling the room. Lily sighed as she walked over, catching the bag as he landed a high kick.

“Easy there Rocky,” she said softly, “heard it was easier to do this if you had someone holding this thing back from coming flying back at you.”

Ashton let out a heavy breath, stepping back from the bag and Lily released it as he began unwrapping his hands. She stepped around it, coming closer to Ashton, his chest already glistening from not even ten minutes of being in the gym. “As usual, everyone who isn’t Jerry is on board with our idea, figured everything out before I came down here.”

He hummed, arms wrapping around Lily once his hands were free, holding her to him, “Can’t understand how Jerry’s mind works, why he doesn’t understand that we should be taking care of everyone who works for us. Guy brings out the worst in me.” He sighed, burying his face in Lily’s hair as one hand disappeared up the back of her shirt, grounding himself.

Lily smirked, pulling back the smallest bit to look up at Ashton, “Think you should see the email with HR that our girl copied us on, love.” Calum called from where he was leaning against the door frame, “Before that wandering hand of yours gets too distracted.”

Ashton’s eyebrows knitted together, locking gazes with Calum, dots slowly connecting in his mind. “Cal razzed Jerry pretty good before he dropped out of the meeting, you missed out.” Lily giggled, Calum shaking his head as he joined his two partners, pulling Ashton against his exposed chest, having gotten his shirt half unbuttoned during his journey from the office to the gym.

Calum nodded, chewing his lip as he said, “Sure we won’t have to worry about Jerry shitting on our plans again.”

Ashton’s eyes closed as their conversation fully sunk in, body relaxing at the feeling of Lily and Calum surrounding him and holding him, resting his weight back against Calum as he let himself be held.

~~~~~~

They made it through a few more days of working from home before both Ashton and Lily started going stir crazy. Even their near daily walks of Duke and Smokey around the neighborhood wasn’t enough to sate them. Calum had a record spinning as he worked on the half-complete puzzle on the coffee table, Ashton pacing the backyard while Lily sat on the couch upside down. Calum smiled as he glanced up after putting another piece in the puzzle, soft chuckle passing his lips.

Lily sighed as she caught his glance, pulling herself up onto the couch and laying on her side, heavy groan coming from her. Calum shook his head, looking up as Ashton walked back inside from the backyard, pout on his face too. He hummed, getting to his feet and walking across the room, turning off the record player and grabbed the dogs’ leashes. “Car ride, let’s go!” Cal called, waving to his partners as the dogs scrambled from their spot on the rug.

Ashton and Lily both glanced at each other before following behind Calum, his car keys in his hand as he leashed the two dogs, opening the front door. They all climbed into Calum’s car, Ashton choosing to sit in the backseat with the dogs. Calum put on his summertime playlist, rolling down the windows as he drove down the driveway and out of the neighborhood.

Lily and Ashton each leaned against their open windows, smiles on their faces as the wind whipped by them. Calum stole glances at them both, openly admiring them at stoplights as all three of them bopped along to the joyful, carefree songs sounding through the speakers. Calum drove them around for over an hour before pulling back into the driveway, the grins on all of their faces brighter than they had been in a couple days.

Once they were back inside Ashton leaned over and pecked Calum’s lips, “Brilliant idea, babe, think that’s exactly what we needed. Think we should do it again in a couple days, my car though, no dogs, just the three of us. Have an idea of somewhere I want to take you both.”

Ashton had wiggled his eyebrows at the end of his sentence, but Lily and Calum had already figured out the double meaning, laughing softly as they leaned into their boyfriend, smattering him with kisses in the entryway, his giggles echoing off the walls. Calum sighed, pulling away just the slightest bit, whispering, “Think we’re gonna make it through this just fine.”

Tag List: @goth5sos @irwinkitten @wildflowergrae @calpops @empathycth @5sosalh

[ecto-american]

White and Nerdy

Holiday Truce Gift for @idiot-cheesehead-archenemy based on their request for Vlad’s slice of life outside of the Fentons.

On FFN and AO3

Summary: Contrary to belief, Vlad does have hobbies other than spinning in a fancy chair with his cat thinking of evil plots. For example, every Tuesday he dedicates the day to hanging out with his best friend as they both indulged in their crippling, long term addictions: World of Warcraft, with a pinch of Dungeons and Dragons.

Rating: K+

Warnings: Some cursing

Other Notes: Everybody is gay or trans, and you can't stop me.

Running a multi billion dollar empire was stressful, to say the very least. And of course, when you own those businesses, it was easy to work as much or as little as you pleased. Not that Vlad ever found himself taking off too much from work. No, no. He loved running his empire, the meetings and decisions. Whenever he took too much time off, the halfa found himself restless. Vlad craved a full schedule, and he needed things to look forward to.

Though of course, he wasn't all work and no play. There was one day of the week Vlad always, with the exception of business trips, took off or would take easy: Tuesdays. Tuesday was raid day.

And on that Tuesday morning, Vlad paid no mind as he could faintly hear the front door being unlocked and closed. His best friend, his actual best friend (NOT that fool Jack), had keys and was permitted to come over whenever he pleased.

Vlad continued his morning routine lazily, carefully shaving and grooming his beard to his preferred style. Brushed and styled his hair in it's normal ponytail, and he dressed himself. Any other day of the week, Vlad would be putting on his Italian brand name custom suits, always freshly pressed and ironed by a maid. But today was raid day, and so he instead was wearing sweatpants and an oversized Packers sweatshirt. He slipped on his football slippers, and he went downstairs to his computer room.

Not his office, which was expensively decorated with only the most fine and formal, shelves lined with important titles. His computer room, which was expensively decorated for a whole other reason. As he opened the door, he smiled at the shelves full of figurines of his favorite characters, accessories adorning the walls. He knew that most would have a stroke, since he never kept anything in the original box, despite having the entire collection of figurines, statues, busts, everything that would make the most dedicated fan drooling. That was simply stupid in Vlad's eyes, it was made to be admired and displayed, not kept in a box. If any were to break, he could simply buy another, no issue.

They lined shelves that were all over the brightly lit room, with cabinets below that held their boxes. While he didn't keep them in boxes, he of course, still kept them. There were also some books, mostly related to the lore but also game guides and manuals.

He admired his collection for a moment before turning his attention to the middle aged man getting comfortable in one of the three computer setups Vlad had, the far left one. All the setups were, of course, only the best and most advanced, with each desktop having three monitors and leather chairs. Each desk was a large U shaped one, set pressed to each other and near the back wall for the outlets.

"Hey, morning!" Edward Lancer greeted him warmly. Both men were morning people, clear by their chosen professions and schedules. Ed was in his own lounge wear, sweatpants with crocs and an old college t-shirt. "I brought McDonald's." He gestured to the bag that was left on Vlad's desk, alongside a cup of coffee clearly from Vlad's own kitchen.

Had it been any person other than Ed, Vlad would have been mortified over McDonald's. But even billionaires couldn't resist their breakfast, and it was only on Tuesday that he was able to privately indulge. Ed never judged.

"Thank you!" Vlad replied brightly. Ed had his own meal in front of him, sitting facing away from the keyboard as he took his time eating. Vlad joined him, sitting at his desk and doing the same, allowing them to talk face to face as they ate.

"Are you ready to fight the dragon later?" Ed questioned as he cut up his pancakes. "Since we're resting, I've been trying to figure out what spells I should prepare for the day to fight it." Vlad snorted, shaking his head.

"Knowing Harriet, she'll likely make the dragon a red herring that goes down with ease and dick us over with the actual boss that'll be invincible to half our party because it's immune the attacks that destroy the damn dragon," Vlad replied before taking a big sip of coffee. Burning hot, but delicious. Ed chuckled in amusement.

"She's always made it fair though," Ed replied. "Her boss battles are never unbeatable."

"Yeah, but she makes every campaign some Water Temple level meets 90s point and click mystery game difficulty and outrageous puzzle solving," Vlad grumbled.

"I like it, it's good critical thinking practice," Ed replied. "I've used some of her puzzles in the games I DM for the students. Really makes them think rather than just attacking everything. I swear, one of my students, Nathan, he just loves rolling to attack every NPC I make."

"Sounds like a ninny," Vlad said as he took a bite of his greasy fast food. The best part about the summer was Ed not having to teach. They could dedicate the whole day to hanging out. Of course, Ed took up a summer job, but he was able to secure Tuesdays off.

"A bit, but a good kid," Ed always spoke fondly of his students. "You should come in sometime for a game, it'd be fun."

"I think I might," Vlad agreed thoughtfully.

Of course, going to Casper High was always hit or miss. Daniel was there, and it was always nice to be able to check in on the little badger. But as mayor and a billionaire that funded several scholarships, it would be nice publicity to go and have some face time with kids. Many of his high school interns had graduated and left for college, and he was in the market for some new ones. Might be able to find some promising new future employees too. Hm, he'd have to see where he could fit a Casper High visit into his schedule when school began. Vlad would worry about that another time.

"How's their gay club?" Vlad questioned. "You guys just formed one, right?"

"It's got a steady group of kids who come in, very good kids. Many have supportive parents now," Ed explained. The teacher had paused, giving a small sigh. "It's a double edge sword for me. On one hand, I'm so grateful that so many of them can be who they are. But...I don't know. I hate that we never got to have that."

Vlad nodded understandingly. He poked at his breakfast, feeling hunger temporarily leave him as those depressive memories came back.

"I'll forever be thankful that Mother wanted to apologize and make amends before she died," Vlad spoke. "But I'm sorry she missed out on so much because of what I had to do to become happy. At least she passed away recognizing me as her son."

The last memories of his mother was depressing. Elderly and sick with cancer, even with all the money Vlad began to throw at her once she reached out to him after nearly twenty years of refusing to speak to him. Whether his sister wore her down, or it was deathbed regrets. It was an emotional two years, being able to see his mom again.

"Mine's in better shape than me, and they're still calling me by my old name," Ed complained. "I don't think it'll ever change. I try to keep a relationship, cause of the kids, but I don't know if it's even worth it anymore."

Silence hung in the air as they separately mourned for what it all cost them. Of course, it was worth it. Absolutely worth it to be happy, to be comfortable and finally as they should be, but it didn't make the cost any less harsh of a price to pay.

"Their generation will be better," Vlad said firmly. Ed nodded in agreement. "Please let me know if any of them need binders or anything of the sorts."

"I will. I've been thinking about starting a clothing drive for them," Ed explained. "I can probably get the school on board with it if we market it as for the lower income students too. Dressing how you want makes a big difference."

"You get the details sorted out, and I will absolutely financially back you," Vlad promised. Ed smiled.

"Thank you. I may start working on that to propose for this school year," Ed mused.

For the bumbling oaf that Jack was, Vlad had to admit that he was a very loving and caring man. A bit too caring, honestly, it was a bit of a flaw. He had immediately accepted Vlad, and later on his own son. It always warmed him to remember that Daniel had two parents that had immediately gotten him everything a young trans man could ever need. No hesitation, no questioning.

Ed took a final bite of his breakfast before humming happily. He wiped his hands as he pushed to toss his empty containers into the trash can.

"Enough being sad, let's raid," he suggested. Vlad hurriedly took his last two bites before nodding in agreement.

123456789

The raid was broken up with greasy Chinese takeout for lunch, brought to them by a staff. Another guilty pleasure Vlad rarely indulged in. Then, of course, it was a return to games before they changed into their normal attire, sitting down to a home cooked dinner by staff. By the time they were finishing up, their other guests had begun to arrive for the evening plans.

Vlad always hosted the game. It just always made the most sense. He had the most room in his house, nor the distractions of family. Not that he disliked Lance nor Ed's children, they were great, but there was nothing that ruined the immersion of dragon slaying quite like teenage dramatics. And he thought that playing with toddlers in the house was frustrating.

The four sat in yet another room in Vlad's mansion that he had dedicated fully to the hobby. A large round table with Harriet Chin sitting furthest from them. A DM folder that separated her papers from there, just low enough that the halfa could see her smirking to herself as she reviewed her plans. Ed sat to her left, with an empty seat in between them. Another empty seat in between him and Vlad, and yet another separated Vlad from Lance Thunder.

Vlad honestly didn't really know the man that well yet. He was one of Harriet's coworkers that she had dragged into the summer game, as Vlad and Ed needed a third person in the party for this campaign. Their normal fourth and fifth friends, Joe and Frank, were spending the summer with their daughter and their newborn granddaughter. He already missed the pair terribly, especially Frank. Frank would often join in on their World of Warcraft adventures. But Lance was gay, and that made him okay enough for Vlad to accept him into their little queer circle with little complaint.

"I wouldn't get her a car unless she had good grades," Vlad gave his two cents into the conversation. Something about Lance's daughter wanting a car. Lance nodded.

"That's what I've been saying, but Alan keeps saying that if Star had her own car, she could begin driving herself to the library and to school to study, but I just don't buy that," Lance agreed. Vlad knew by now who those people were. Alan was Lance's husband, Star was Lance's daughter from his first marriage. Vlad had seen pictures of Star before. She was a spitting image of Lance. "She's more interested in being with her friends."

"And what does Rene think?" Ed questioned about the ex-wife's opinion. Lance shrugged.

"She doesn't think Star needs a car," Lance replied. "Public transportation isn't bad here, she can always borrow one of our cars, and lots of colleges won't let you have cars as a freshman anyway. So it'd be sitting in the driveway in a year or so for a year anyway."

"Star's going to be a junior, right?" Vlad questioned. Lance nodded. Vlad mentally went over his garage of cars. "When she's able to have a car on her college campus, I'll happily give her a good deal on one of my cars if she has good grades. I'll probably be retiring one of my cars by then. Of course, it's not going to be some beat up piece of junk." Lance's eyes widened.

"I'll definitely keep that in mind," Lance smiled warmly at him.

"Vlad sold my oldest, Ophelia, a car about five years ago. Car still runs like it's new," Ed spoke up.

"Ophelia just began graduate school, didn't she?" Harriet questioned, finally speaking up. She had been nose deep in her campaign notes. Ed nodded.

"She got in at the University of Chicago, full ride," Ed beamed with pride, and Vlad was very proud too. Ophelia, his precious goddaughter, was like a niece to him. Very smart, quick-witted and the only one who could match Ed's passion for literature. Of course, Vlad provided her with that full ride scholarship, as he did with her younger siblings, and eventually he would do the same for Ed's remaining two when they got to that point. No niece or nephew of his was going to college with student debts. "George is set to graduate soon too, this is his last year. Before med school anyway."

Ahh, little Georgie. Vlad got to spend a lot of time with him. He was one of Vlad's interns at Axion Labs. A strong willed boy, good head on his shoulders. Sometimes a little too honest, but the world needed more people like that. Whenever the billionaire stopped by Axion Labs, he always paid a visit to his favorite intern. It was always those times he spent with Ed's children that Vlad regretted not having his own.

"So how's the cat, Vlad?" Harriet asked, giving a small smirk. She could always seem to sniff out his emotions. Damn journalists. They were a bit too observant. Vlad rolled his eyes.

"How's yours?" he asked back. She chuckled.

"Bandit's the happiest boy alive, I just got him a nice new cat tower," she replied. Vlad nodded.

"I just had a new cat house for Maggie built," Vlad told her. Of course, he was never going to admit to his friends, most of them knowing the ghost huntress, that he named his cat after a long term crush. "It's going to be installed in the next week or so. You should bring Bandit over then. Maggie loves him."

"Oh I might," Harriet hummed happily. "It's been a while since Bandit got to hang out with Maggie."

"Does anybody want a drink before we begin?" Vlad questioned.

"Can I have a glass of rosé wine?" Harriet questioned. The billionaire smirked.

"Of course," he replied. He glanced to Ed and Lance.

"Uh, just gimme a beer, you know what I like," Ed shrugged. Lance thought for a moment.

"I may just have some wine too," Lance spoke.

Vlad nodded, and he stood to go to the intercom on the wall. All of the rooms in his house had it for his staff. He pushed it, and he requested the drinks, alongside what he knew to be choice snacks.

Almost as soon as Vlad had sat down, a male staff member came with a tray. It was full of cheese and crackers, popcorn, chips and fondue. Another staff member came with drinks and glasses.

Vlad picked up a beer like Ed, cracking it open and taking a long drink. Of course, in any other company, he'd indulge in wine. Beer was not something one could normally drink at a formal business function, and so he always took advantage of the times he could freely have some.

They began. A small discussion, and as the billionaire expected, the dragon went down easy. Suspiciously easy. Harriet gave the group before her a mischievous grin just over her DM folder. Vlad didn't like this, or that look in her eye.

"So you guys defeated the dragon," the reporter replied slyly. "But there's no loot to collect on him. The dragon dissolves and melts away. Everybody roll for perception and add your stuff. Then tell me what you got."

Oh, he definitely did not like this a single bit. Vlad eyed her coldly as he picked up his dice. Ed and Lance did the same.

"Visual or hearing, I'm missing an eye so I'd have to roll disadvantage otherwise," Ed reminded her.

"Hearing!" Harriet chirped. He nodded.

"Uh, sixteen then," he replied.

"Ten," Lance said.

"Twenty-two," Vlad spoke.

"You hear nothing," Harriet told Lance, pointing to him. She moved her finger to Ed. "You hear a small noise, two voices. But they're a bit muffle, you can't quite make out the entire conversation. But you do hear some words. The general jist of the conversation you can make out is that these individuals have realized you killed the dragon and are here." Harriet pointed to Vlad. "You! However, you can hear everything. It's a rough voice of a masculine figure telling somebody to prepare for battle, somebody has killed their precious dragon. They're going to detect your thoughts to determine your next movements before making their next move."

"I cast detect magic," Vlad replied. Harriet's eyes sparkled.

"It failed," she announced gleefully. Vlad internally groaned, and he could see Ed looking confused. "So what will you guys do."

Lance scratched his temple as he stared at his character sheet. He was not just new to the group, but to the game itself. The weather man studied his sheet for a moment as he tried to think. He took a long sip of his wine before speaking.

"Well uh, I think my guy is just gonna look for the treasure, cause I didn't hear anything," Lance said slowly. "And I'm still really interested in the promised gold."

"I tell him to not, because we should be careful," Ed spoke up quickly. "Because of what I heard."

"You tell your party what you heard?" Harriet questioned. She had leaned back in her seat, a leg over the arm of the chair as she held her beverage. The lesbian lightly swirled her wine in her glass before taking a long drink.

"Yeah, I tell my party what I heard," Ed clarified.

"And I'll tell them what I heard," Vlad agreed. "Because I need these people alive to keep me alive. They're my meat shields." Harriet snickered.

"So the prince never mentioned anything but a dragon being in here," Ed said slowly. "It must be another adventuring party trying to get the treasure. Prince Yamum said he did send several people to collect the family amulet."

"I say we kill them," Vlad suggested. Ed looked at him in disapproval, and Vlad shrugged. "My character's selfish. He doesn't want to share the loot with this party, and he doesn't want to share the rewards for returning the amulet."

"I agree," Lance said slowly. "My guy doesn't want the competition."

"No, no!" Ed said sternly. "We are NOT killing him, he may have useful information for us or be able to help."

"There's two voices, so that's a five way split between treasure," Lance pointed out. Vlad glanced to see Harriet's reaction. She was grinning like a fool, with that distinctive sparkle in her eye. She was absolutely up to something, and she looked like a true super villain. Evil plots forming her mind. Vlad trusted her with nothing, and yet he admired this chaotic evil lesbian. Harriet was his villain goals.

"Harriet, I swear on your grave," Vlad began his threat, only to stop with a frown at Harriet's devilish giggle.

"The individual detects your negative and violent thoughts," she announced cheerfully. She finished off her glass, shifting to have both legs over the armrest, her back against the opposite one. "And they have deduced that you're a threat that needs to be taken care of. Congratulations, boys. You're encountering the real boss." Vlad scowled.

"I knew you were going to do this, you always pull some weird bait and switch thing!" Vlad complained. Harriet smirked. "Lemme guess. It's a, it's a, god what would be the worst thing to fight right now." Vlad racked his mind for a possible enemy. "A rakshasa? Probably with a shield guardian too."

Harriet's smirk only widened. And Vlad knew he was correct.

"Roll for initiative, bitch."

[starker-stories]

An Accord (WIS), Chapter 5

I’ll be re-creating my individual chapter posts for An Accord over here on the blog that replaces starkerstories. Until I hit the current chapter, I’ll be posting daily. They’ll have links to both tumblr and AO3 chapter links. I’m sorry if that bothers people who’ve seen this all before in the tag. I’m content to leave all my other fic as AO3 only, but this is my current favorite child, so I’m spoiling it rotten.

This fic is on a weekly update schedule. Hopefully every Friday. More chapters may appear sooner if the writing is going well. Because I have 0 self-control.

Tumblr Chapter Links: ch1, ch2, ch3, ch4, ch5, ch6, ch7, ch8, ch9, ch10, ch11, ch12, ch13 AO3 Chapter Links: ch1, ch2, ch3, ch4, ch5, ch6, ch7, ch8, ch9, ch10, ch11, ch12, ch13

Tags: Post-Captain America: Civil War (Movie), Post-Spider-Man: Homecoming, Anal Sex, Oral Sex, Polyamory Negotiations, Polyamory, Cheating, Past Bucky Barnes/Steve Rogers, Domestic Nightmare Tony Stark, Reconciliation, Nightmares, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, WinterIronSpider, Happy Ending, Clothed Sex, Domesticity, Peter Parker is legal age in the state of New York, College Student Peter Parker, Takes place about 2 years after Civil War. Closeted Character

Summary: “Steve Rogers is the one and only voice of authority for the entire world.” Bucky ducked his head. “I may have asked him when he was going to be fitted for his armband.” ——————————————————————————————

Chapter 5: On accounta the stew

“Oh god that smells good,” Peter said, padding barefoot from the bedroom around ten into the kitchen, wearing a baggy pair of sweats and an even baggier, threadbare MIT t-shirt. “But y’know you don’t have to keep cooking for us.”

“I have to eat,” Bucky said with a shrug.

Tony followed next out of the bedroom, slightly less dressed, wearing only a pair of boxers, but apparently a shower had been taken because he was wearing considerably less dirt. “You don’t have to earn your keep here, Bucky.” Tony opened the drawer next to the fridge. “If I don’t have a menu for a place in here, it’s because their food sucks. FRIDAY, give Bucky level 1A access to you and 2 access to everything else.”

“Yes boss.”

“There ya go. Order what you want whenever you want it. Though not if you want to spend seven billion on a microscope.”

“And put a huge dent in the thing,” Peter chided.

Tony rolled his eyes. “It’s the casing. It doesn’t affect how it works, just how it looks. If it offends you so much, I’ll fabricate a new one out of gold-titanium alloy that’s harder to dent.”

“Oh god you’re gonna do that anyway just to make it red and gold.”

“You know me so well babe,” Tony said, grinning. He went over and looked into the huge pot simmering on low on the stove. “What is that?”

“Our late dinner.” Peter stuck a long spoon into the pot. “Stew. And it’s delicious.” He got a bowl and filled it.

“It’s all right,” Bucky said. “I ate about… oh… four hours ago. Y’know, Tony, soundproofing might be an investment worth considering,” he added, laughing.

Peter turned bright red. “Oh god.” He sat the bowl of stew down at the end of the table for Tony and filled another for himself.

“This is actually… good,” Tony said. “Tastes like the Irish stew Jarvis used to make.”

“Vision cooks?”

“Not JARVIS, Jarvis. Our butler.”

“You had a…”

“Of course he did,” Peter said with a sigh. “You get used to him dropping things like that as if everyone in the world grew up in a huge mansion with a butler and a staff. Do not ever expect him to change the sheets.”

“That’s what the staff is for.”

Bucky sat at the table across from Peter, next to Tony. “Steve would say it’s not proper Irish stew because you didn’t have any stout. Like Sarah ever kept liquor in her house…” He stopped suddenly, caught by the memory. “Sorry.” He hesitated. He wanted to talk about it but wasn’t sure of the reception. He decided to chance it.

“Even after your dad’s experiment changed him, he was still Steve. He was different, but underneath the whole Captain America thing, he was still the kid I grew up with in Brooklyn. He was a soldier, like the rest of us. A little headstrong, rubbed up against orders sometimes, but he took them.”

“I’m sorry,” Peter said, he reached his hand across the table and touched Bucky’s.

“Which is why I couldn’t understand…” Tony shook his head. “A hundred and seventeen countries, including this one… and half of his team… thought accountability was a reasonable request that the world was making of us.”

“It is,” Bucky said. “I spent the last year, since I left Wakanda, listening to Steve. The way he described it, in the context of what happened to SHIELD, not trusting another World Security Council sounded reasonable.”

“Why’d you change your mind?” Tony asked.

“I read them. He had his copy still. I couldn’t sleep. I’d read just about everything else where we were staying. So I actually read the Accords for myself.”

“They’ve been amended since then.”

“I saw that when I signed. I made them wait until I read the addendum pages.”

Tony laughed. “I bet they loved that.”

“After I signed, that’s when I got into it with him. He’s mad I signed. I still don’t understand why he didn’t. You guys, the Avengers, he said you were soldiers.”

Tony scoffed. “I’m not a soldier.”

“Well, you take orders better than one former U.S. Army Captain.” Bucky huffed in anger. “Without an effective chain of command, without oversight, there’s nothing to stop an army from turning on the people and putting someone like Hitler in charge. We both saw that happen. But no. Steve Rogers is the one and only voice of authority for the entire world!” Bucky ducked his head. “I may have asked him when he was going to be fitted for his armband.”

Tony sputtered around a forkful of stew. “I’d’a paid money to see his face.

“But you get it,” Tony continued. “When I found out what Stark was doing — what it was allowed to do — not only by my negligence, but because the DoD writes checks and never pays attention to what’s done with the money — I got out of the business. I couldn’t be a part of that. Is it still a problem with other companies, sure. I can’t right every wrong in the world. But I don’t have to be complicit with it. Rogers, he’s like — anyone who’s an Avenger can do whatever they want, whenever they want, anywhere in the world they want to do it. Which, okay, maybe. There’s less than two dozen of us and we were a team. That’s less of a problem. But there are many more Enhanced who the Avengers Initiative has no authority over.”

“The Accords still don’t,” Peter said. “I haven’t signed.”

“No. Neither has Murdock, Cage, Jones, Skye, Elena, and a whole lot more. A lot have signed, though. But since I’ve been unofficially running things, we monitor those who haven’t. What’s left of SHIELD handles the situation if an Enhanced becomes a threat. You’re not a threat, baby. And if you ever do decide to step out of the ‘friendly neighborhood’, you’re going to have to sign.”

“I will. I’m just not ready yet.”

“And I’m not ready to put you at that level of risk yet either. It’s above your paygrade. Keeping the world safe is my job. Keeping the streets safe is yours.”

“Fury said that for him to be able to debrief me, I had to become part of the Avengers Initiative.”

“So you’re on world-saving duty along with Tony.”

“Peter, that is the highest end dishwasher they make in the world. You don’t even have to rinse the bowl. Just put it in the machine. God,” Tony said exasperatedly as he watched Peter start to lower his bowl into the sink.

“And all you have to do is stretch the elastic corners over the ends of the mattress,” Peter said, noisily clattering both bowl and silverware in the sink.

Bucky laughed.

“Sorry. Old fights,” Tony said.

“We’ve only been together nine months, how can they be old fights?”

“They were old fights two weeks after you moved in and started leaving dishes in the sink and failing to notice that there’s a laundry hamper in the dressing room.”

“Elastic corners, Tony. You don’t even have to tuck them in the way I bet Bucky used to have to do.”

“Oh no. I am not getting in the middle of this. He’s the one who lets me live here, you’re the one who keeps me from destroying the room when I have a nightmare. Nope.” Bucky headed for the sofa. “I’m also not doing the dishes. I cooked.”

“You don’t cook so you can eat,” Tony said in a revelatory tone. “You cook so you don’t have to clean up after!”

“They did tell me you were a genius,” Bucky said, scrolling through Netflix. “After I learned how to cook, my sister got stuck with the dishes because she cooked like Peter says you do.”

“Staff, you guys. We. Had. Staff.” Tony got up shaking his head and emptied the sink of its dishes. He picked up the pot and poured its contents into the side of the sink with the disposal.

“What did you just do‽” Bucky said, leaping up from the sofa.

“You cooked too much. It's no big deal.” Tony started the disposal.

Bucky sputtered. “That was for the next three, maybe four days.”

“Uh, no.”

“Leftovers. Don’t you know the concept?”

“Didn’t most of your generation die of food poisoning?” Tony rinsed the pot and stuck it in the dishwasher with the bowls.

“Because we tried to keep food cold with ICE! Not a fridge that’s more technologically advanced than my arm! Stew is always better on the second day.”

“So’s salmonella.”

Peter came up and put his hand on Bucky’s arm. “It’s useless. I tried to keep leftover Chinese once. Got the same lecture. You learn to live with it.”

“It’s wasteful,” Bucky said, shaking his head. “There are people who…”

“Are eating tonight at one of seven homeless shelters the Stark Foundation funds every year. I am not getting food poisoning over either of yours guilt.”

“Used to be six. But then he threw out my leftover Chinese that I was saving.”

“Make it eight on accounta the stew.”

“If it’ll save my stomach, I’ll make it a round ten. No leftovers.” Tony grabbed Peter’s hand. “Thanks for dinner, pretty. It was good.”

“Woulda been better tomorrow,” Bucky muttered as he headed for the sofa and Tony and Peter headed for their bedroom.

Peter ducked his head back around the corner of the hall. “There’s wireless headphones in the drawer under the TV. Not as good as soundproofing but,” he added with a shrug before disappearing.

~~~~~

“I was worried,” Natasha said, answering Bucky’s call.

“It's not bad. It's good actually,” Bucky said. “Tony and Peter — the spider kid — are together.”

“Together?” Natasha asked

“Yes.”

“Together together?” she asked again, her voice rising in inflection.

“A couple. Yes.”

“He's a child.”

“He's seventeen. Which is, as he likes to remind everyone, the age of consent in New York state. He’s happy. Both of them are. Deliriously. Noisily. Often. He calls you Ms. Widow.”

“No. Really?” she tried hard not to laugh.

“Yes. It's adorable.” Bucky didn’t bother to try. “You should come back,” he said after a pause.

“I'm a criminal.”

“So was I. Tony can take care of that.”

“Tony's the one who made me a criminal,” Nat said pointedly.

“It's more complicated than that and you know it.”

“I'm not agreeing to house arrest.”

“Lang isn't an Avenger. You are. I am.”

“You are?”

“Part of the arrangement Tony made,” Bucky explained. “Instead of another session with Everett Ross, Fury’s handling my debrief. For that, I had to agree to the Avenger Initiative.”

“Did you want to?”

“There are worse things.” Over the phone, Natasha couldn’t see his shrug. “It’s a chance at a little redemption.”

“I thought SHIELD was mine.”

“From what Tony tells me, SHIELD isn’t what it used to be. HYDRA’s been purged.”

“You believe that?”

“No. But I can help them make sure it is.”

“We’ve been away almost two years.”

“I thought it fell apart because of me. It was the Accords. Tony’s right on this one. It’s been such a waste of time. Running. For what? Steve’s ego?”

“I told the same thing to Tony. It was his ego.”

“I’ve yet to see it show up, Natasha. No worse than anyone else’s. Steve’s wrong.”

“What about Wanda? There was the issue of her not being a citizen.”

“When did you become a citizen? It’s not an issue. Not if she signs.”

There was a long pause. “He’ll be on his own.”

“He’ll come to his senses then,” Bucky said with more heat than he’d intended. “He won’t as long as he has someone to follow the righteous Captain America into battle. The issue if he comes back isn’t the Accords. It’s the damage he did after. Tony says he’ll leave when he returns.”

“And you say you haven’t seen his ego?”

“I’ve seen the pain that Steve’s lies about me caused. The Accords? Steve signs and that’s over for Tony. What happened in Siberia? That’s a broken trust. Harder to set aside.”

“He set it aside for you, apparently.”

“I had no choice in what I did. Steve had a choice.” He paused. “I doubt Tony will walk away, no matter what he says. He won’t trust Steve. But there are very few people who Tony trusts. He works with the others anyway. He’ll reach a peace with Steve, if Steve will let him.”

“We’ll talk about it,” Nat said.

“Talk to the others before Steve. If he knows, he’ll start one of his ‘rally the troops’ speeches and everyone will follow him into hell. On their own, the only hold out will be Sam. He’s starstruck.” Bucky paused. “I’ve seen it before,” he said sadly.

[fics-for-my-heart]

Soul Burn (p9)

Summary: The first time you touch your soulmate, your skin burns in that spot till you touch them again.

Word Count: 4070

Warning: None

A/N: Guys, I didn’t realize how long it had been since I uploaded. I’m so sorry. I know I keep saying that but I am, there’s been a lot going on and it killed my motivation for writing and doing anything. I know I said this would be the last part but I think one more, to make it an even number, and to make this seem less rushed. Thank you if you’re still here reading this series. Sorry again for how long this took

Masterlist

Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five Part Six Part Seven Part Eight Part Nine Part Ten

 “Where’s the first place we are going?” You asked as Tom handed you a plate with some eggs and pancakes.

 “London.” He sat his plate down before digging in his bag for his phone. “I’ll send you the list. There will be a itinerary with more details waiting for you at the first hotel.” He sat beside you at the breakfast bar, pulling you closer and resting his feet on the peg of your stool. “They will also have a ear piece and phone for you so you can keep in contact with everyone.”

 You smiled as he kissed your shoulder before starting on his food. “Oh sweet. I’ll be official. Am I getting paid?” It was a joke but Tom nodded. “Wait. Really? That’s not necessary.”

 “They want everything to be real. So you’ll get two hundred a day plus money to eat on. Not that you will have to pay for food.” He smiled before taking a huge bite of pancake.

 Harrison shuffled through the door, rubbing his eyes. “Once everyone is ready I’ll call the car.” He spread some butter and syrup on a pancake before rolling it and taking a bite. “First interviews start tomorrow at eight am.”

 “Check in is at one right?” Harrison nodded in response, stabbing some scrambled eggs with a fork.

 “So how is the room situation going to work?” You glanced back to Tom curiously.

 “They are suites with two rooms. You can stay with me in mine and Harrison gets his own. Zendaya is with us for most of it so you’ll be checked in as her roommate.”

 “What if I wanted to room with her the whole time?” You cocked an eyebrow at Tom and Harrison snorted. “Just kidding.” You leaned in and kissed Tom’s nose.

 “I mean you can stay with her too. I want you guys to be friends and according to her you guys hit it off.”

 “Yeah, we’ll see how things go. I might just randomly show up and stay the night with her.” You shrugged, taking the last drink of your orange juice and standing up. “I’m going to go shower.” You gave Tom a kiss and hip checked Harrison as you put your dishes away and made your way upstairs.

 A few hours later the three of you were being led up the back entrance and into a wonderful room. In the main room there was a floor to ceiling window with a breathtaking view that instantly pulled your full attention.

 “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Tom whispered in your ear. Wrapping his arms around you while resting his chin on your shoulder.  

 “You can see so much from here.”

 “I always like the higher rooms. The sunset will be the best you’ve seen.” The two of you stood there in silence softly swaying back and forth. “Wanna get everything ready? It’ll be an early and long day tomorrow.”

 They had everything set up for you, just like Tom said. There was an earpiece and phone already programmed with numbers and calendar reminders. They had a paper itinerary that included blacklisted topics such as you and anything that could lead to a slip up spoiler.

 It all seemed pretty easy. You’d keep track of the times and make sure the interviews didn’t go too far over as well as making sure that everyone got into the next room or location smoothly. Not only were you getting to experience a world you never thought you would, but you got to spend time with Tom and the people he cared about.

 “So are you excited?” Tom asked as you plopped your head onto the pillow facing him.

 “Yes. But I’m also a little nervous. What if I mess something up?”

 Tom smoothed your hair out of your face, leaving his hand on your cheek. “You’ll do fine, love. You get to boss us around.” He leaned in and kissed you softly before resting his forehead on yours. “Ya know. I was excited about this because I love talking about the movies. But, I’m more excited now because I get to have you along for the journey.”

 “I’m excited to be here with you too. I never in a million years would have thought I would experience something like this.” You kissed him this time, then snuggled yourself into his chest and fell asleep to him softly rubbing your back.

 —-

 “This is your wake up call!!” Harrison’s voice boomed from outside the door. You and Tom both jumped, your shoulder accidentally hitting his face.

 “Ooii, fuck off Harrison. Shit. Ouch.” His hand shot it to rub his chin.

 “Oh god.” You turned around, eyes wide as your hands grabbed his face to inspect it. “Are you okay?”

 “Yes. Once my heart beat goes back to normal.” He wrapped his hand around yours, pulling your palm to his lips and leaving a kiss. “Good morning, beautiful.”

 “Good morning.” You replaced your hand with your lips as you gave him a quick kiss. “I guess we should get up. It’s,” you looked at your phone. “5:30??”

 Tom flopped back onto the pillow, pulling you with him onto his chest. “Sadly I have to do hair and makeup.” His arm tightened around you. “I’d much rather stay right here. But at least we get to spend time together.”

 You patted his chest. “Indeed. Now let’s see what Harrison ordered for breakfast.”

 After a few more snuggled kisses the two of you made your way into the living area. Harrison was sitting at the table eating a piece of bacon and scrolling through his phone.

 “Sorry I scared you two.” He said with a smirk.

 Tom tossed a piece of sliced fruit at him. “I’m sure you are going to be worrying yourself all day about it.”

 “Probably. Zendaya is on her way over. So we can all go together.”

 You pulled the new phone out, opening the calendar to today’s events. “Luckily all the interviews are going to be here. The fifth floor conference room. We have to have you guys down there at 6:30 to get ready for hair and makeup. So eat quick.” You locked the phone just as Zendaya walked in.

 “Good morning lovelies. I’m eating your food.”

 Once everyone was happy, the four of the headed off to the room for hair and makeup. Tom and Zendaya got whisked away while Harrison gave you some pointers.

 “So, most of these guys are people we’ve worked with before. They know the rules and are good at keeping time. There’s a few here that they haven’t had interviews with before and those are the ones to look out for.”

 “Are you gonna hang out here or are you getting in on the interviews?” Harrison’s part was small but was pretty important to the movie.

 “I get a few. Jacob and Tony and I are going to be taking turns. So I’ll be here to help if you need anything.” He smiled at you, knowing how nervous you were about doing this.

 “Thank you, Harrison.”

 “No thanks needed Y/N. You’re Toms soul mate, and I’m his other half. You’re an amazing person and I can see how much you and Tom adore each other.” His face was serious as he spoke. “I know things are a bit weird right now but you guys have my support. If you need a break or anything let me know okay.”

 The day went by smoothly. You only had to time check one interviewer, but the rest followed the time and made sure to avoid the black listed topics. About mid way the last interview you ordered room service for lunch, knowing that the rest of the day was going to be less hectic.

 “Oh man, I’m starving.” Tom sighed, wrapping his arms around you as soon as the room door closed.

 “Good thing I thought ahead and ordered lunch.” You laugh, patting his hands as you waddle into the living room.

 “Oh, bless you, love.” He planted a big smacking kiss to your cheek and released you before bee lining to the table.

 As the days go by, things fall into a nice flow. A few interviews a day followed by some off days to travel. The days off were normally filled with sight seeing of their favorite places or lazy days. The rest of the cast joined in on different activities and interviews and Tom had to steady you when you got starstruck meeting Jake.

The craziest days ended up being the ones with convention visits. Everything was planned in advance to the minute, luckily you knew a thing or two about how insane conventions could get. Tom stayed closer on those days. Keeping an eye out for you and constantly making sure you were okay.

 Things were going so smoothly that before you knew it you guys were a month in with the only a few problems like Tom forgetting his charger in one of the hotels and Harrison forgetting his phone in a taxi.

 It was the morning of the last set of London promo and you were all sat around the table going over the day. “Okay, so the first interview is Tom, Tony and Zendaya. That’s at eight. Jacob, Zendaya and Harrison have one at nine, then all of you at ten. I think Jake is joining in on that one. Then after lunch Tom and Jake have two interviews and after that it’s time to pack.” You forked some eggs into your mouth while the plan settled with everyone.

 “What about tomorrow? What time are we leaving?” Harrison asked.

 “Uhh.” You flicked through your phone, finding the flight plan instantly. “The plane leaves for LA at noon but check out is at eight. There’s a week break before that leg of promos.”

 “An entire week off?” Tom sighed happily. “You know we aren’t leaving the house for six of those days.” He pokes your hand with his fork.

 “Fine with me.” You laughed, finishing off your juice. “Alright I’m going to shower, you guys have an hour and a half before it’s time do get to work.”

 The day was as smooth as all the others with the occasional time check. When the last interview came around you were sleepy from lunch and excited to get it over with.

 “So Tom, what was it like working with Jake.” The interview asked.

 “Honestly a dream come true. I’ve always admired him as an actor and now that I know him I admire him as a person. It’s been a blast working together.”

 Jake was beaming, nodding along. “I have to agree. Seeing Tom as Peter in the other movies I knew I was going to have to bring my A game. It was probably the most fun I’ve had on a set in ages.”

 “Speaking of ages.” The interview drew a pause. Your ears perked, having caught on to this “repeat what they say”  being the typical topic change method. “It’s been ages since we’ve heard anything about young Toms soulmate.” He raised an eyebrow at Tom.

 Your heart was racing, and Tom rose both brows. “Right it has. I’d like to keep it that way a bit longer, mate.”

 He avoided looking at you, but Jake made brief eye contact, ready to step in if needed.

 “Awh, come on Tom. The world wants to know who the fates chose to keep you happy.”

 You cringed at the wording, but composed yourself enough to step in. “Excuse me, but the topic has been blacklisted.”

 The interviewer raised a questioning look at you. “Oh I know doll but I’m still going to ask.”

 You laughed, shifting through the papers in your folder before pulling one out. “And, oh, look. Per the agreement you signed before this it states that if you break the agreement, for example, asking blacklisted questions, we can scrap the entire interview and you leave empty handed. So either you back off the topic or I watch your cameraman delete all the video and audio from this interview.” You cocked your hip and glared at him, daring him to say something.

 His hands went up as he sat back. “Alright. Alright. I don’t have many more questions so we can wrap this up.”

 You nodded your head and took a step out of the way, keeping an eye on him the rest of the time.

——

 “Guys you should have seen her.” Toms cheeks were a little rosy from the drinks but his smile was fond. Once everyone was packed you all decided to go out for dinner. “She was all ‘either you back off the topic or I watch your cameraman delete it all.’” He used his best impression of you, retelling the events of the last interview for the third time.

 “Alright, that’s enough.” You laughed, Tom just beamed at you.

 “It was kinda hot watching you take charge like that.” He winked, finishing off his drink.

 “Oh, so when I do it it’s not hot?” Harrison asked, mocking shock.

 Tom squinted his face. “Eh, I mean sure mate. But when she did it I’m surprised they could see it all over my face.”

 You turned toward him. “See what?”

 “How much I love you.”

 Your ears muffled and you stared at him for a minute. He rested his hand on your knee under the table, pulling you back to the room. “I... I love you too.” You whispered, earning a brighter grin from him.

 “Awh. You guys are so cute.” Zendaya gushed. “Alright enough lovey dovey. I’m ready to head back and get some sleep.”

 Everyone agreed, finishing off their drinks and leaving tips. You linked arms with Zendaya and made your way out the door.

 The moment you returned to the room you went straight for a shower. When you finished, you stood in a towel brushing your teeth.

 “Love?” There was a rap at the door. “Can I come in? I want to brush my teeth.” You reached over and unlocked the door, unable to speak with the toothpaste foam in your mouth. “Well aren’t you adorable.” He doesn’t try to hide himself checking you out. After giving a quick kiss to your forehead, he joins in on the tooth brushing.

 “So, what’s the first thing you wanna do when we get to LA?” You asked, whipping the extra toothpaste from the corners of your mouth.

 Tom spit and rinsed his mouth, turning and pulling you close. “Spend a few days doing nothing but spending time with you.” He leaned in to kiss you but you stopped him, using the wash rag to whips at the corners of his mouth.

 “Sounds excellent.” Your voice was a whisper before you closed the gap, enjoying the minty freshness. “Now, I’m a bit cold and need some clothes.”

 “I can keep you warm.” He winked, gently smacking your butt. “But go on, naked, put some clothes on.”

 Tom was already drifting off to sleep when you got in bed. With his eyes still closed he lifted your arm, welcoming you to his side. “Pst.” You whispered, nose almost touching his.

 He opened his eyes, smiling before closing the small gap between the two of you. His voice was almost quiet as yours. “I love you.”

 “I love you.”

 You both fell asleep somewhere between lazy kisses.

 ——

 “Y/N.” Toms soft voice pulled you from sleep. A lazy hand covered his mouth and his laugh vibrated your arm. “Love. It’s time to wake up.”

 “No.”

 Tom nudged your cheek with his nose, much like Tessa when she wanted a snuggle. “You can sleep on the jet.”

 “But. I’m so warm.” You pushed closer to his warm body.

 “I know. Here.” He got up and you groaned. Falling into his empty spot and watching him walk around the room. “Put these on.” He set his hoodie on the bed and a pair of your leggings.

 You did as he said, reluctantly. There was toast and fresh fruit waiting to be scarfed down before you all had to leave. You and Zendaya shared a car while the boys had their own.

 “Okay, so I’m pretty excited to go shopping with you. Also, what do you want to wear to the premiere? You thinking a designer? Or we can go shopping.” Zendaya was much more awake than you, but looked equally as cozy.

 “Woah. That’s in a few weeks. Oh boy. Um. I want to make a good impression, but I don’t want to seem like I’m stealing the light.”

 “Babe that’s going to happen no matter what. You’re hot and you’re Tom Holland’s soulmate. People will be talking about you for weeks.”

 “Yeah, I’m not excited about that part.”

 “Hey, it’ll be alright. Like I said, soulmates are big talk for a few weeks then they stop obsessing. Let’s just focus on getting you the perfect outfit.” Her smile was contagious and helped push all the nasty thoughts out of the way.

The boys were already settled when you got there. It was a little mind blowing taking it all in. There were two couches, seats, a mini fridge, and TVs. “It’s like I’m on the BAUs jet.” You joked while taking a seat beside Tom.

 “I forgot you’ve never been on one before.” He laughed. “Sadly I can’t afford my own yet, but Marvel likes to treat us pretty well.”

 “I can tell.”

 “Wait, here’s my favorite part.” He pressed a button on the arm and the chair started moving. “Massage chairs.”

 “I’m never leaving.” You moved around, getting comfortable before dropping your head back and looking at Tom.

 “Trust me, the only good things are we have it to ourselves and there’s no waiting through customs. After a while they aren’t all that fun.”

 “I’ll take your word for it. But right now I’m loving it.”

 You were asleep before take off and when you woke up everyone else was asleep. Silently you made your way to the bathroom, hoping the loud flush didn’t wake anyone. On your way back to your seat you grabbed a sandwich and drink. Tom was awake, scrolling through his phone when you sat down. “Hello sweets. How much longer till we land?”

 “Still about three hours.” He sighed. When his eyes landed on your sandwich he smile and opened his mouth for a bite.

 “You want one? There’s plenty in there.”

 “Nah yours taste better.” He fiddled around on his phone for a minute before showing you a picture. “I’m going to post this is that okay?” It was you, asleep with your hair in your face and your head on his shoulder. He had the cutest grin on his face.

 “It’s cute, go for it.”

 He talked as he typed. “I have a lot of wonderful women in my life, but you’re by far my favorite. I love you, Love Bug.”

 The two of you spent the rest of the flight snacking and showing each other funny things. When the jet landed it was dark, still early morning in LA. Security met you all at the landing strip and escorted you to cars which quickly sped off.

 “That was the fastest I’ve ever left an airport.” Tom, you and Harrison had your own car since everyone was going to their own places to rest.

 Toms fingers closed around yours. “We always try to be sneaky when we get into LA unless we have plans to be seen arriving.” He pulled his phone out and responded to a text before turning back to you. “So, is there anything you’re dying to see?”

 “I really would enjoy seeing Griffin Park. And maybe the National Science Museum. Anything you think would be fun.”

 “The Studios are fun, but we will be there working and I can show you around then. But we will definitely go to Griffin Park. It’s beautiful at sunset and the view is amazing.” Before you could respond the car pulled into a garage. “Ahhh home sweet second home.” Tom laughed. He gave your hand a light squeeze before getting out of the car.

 “I slept on the plane but I’m still tired so I’m going to go straight to bed. Love you, goodnight.” Harrison said, dragging his suitcase behind him and disappearing into the dark hall.

 You followed Tom around the house, getting a tour of every room. He promised to have groceries delivered since they cleaned everything out before they left a few months back. A little after eight there was a knock at the door.

 “Love!” Tom called from the couch. “Could you get that?”

 When you looked through the peephole you had to muffle a scream. “Julie!!”

“Y/N!!” She responded once the door was open.

 “Oh my god what are you doing here?” A huge smile spread across your face as you pulled her into a hug.

 “Tom invited me and Mitch for a few days. Also you didn’t think you could go shopping for a premier dress without me? Uhhhh, I missed you so much.” She tightened her arms around you.

 “I know I sent you almost everything but, wanna hear about it again?”

 “Definitely.” She smiled. Looping her arm with yours and going to the back porch, both of you already giggling.

——

 “Alright, darling, Mr. Holland sent us some pictures of you as well as what he will be wearing, and we were able to hand pick a large amount of styles based off of those. All three of you are allowed to go back. There’s drinks and snacks and if you need anything just press the button.” The shop attended had a soothing voice, explaining everything to you.

 It’s been three days since you guys got to LA. The first day was spent watching movies and eating junk food, with a visit to Griffin Park for sunset. The second day you all took a trip to Hollywood Boulevard joined by Zendaya, Jacob, and Tony. Mitch made dinner for everyone that night and it was a nice relaxing day.

 Today you, Julie, and Zendaya were at one of Zendaya favorite dress shops. Julie had to leave soon and you guys wanted to go on and get dress shopping out of the way.

 “Woah.” Was all you could say when you entered the room. There were racks of dresses and accessories and shoes. It was like walking into a dream dress up closet. They had some shoes along one wall, and a picture of Tom in his suit for the premiere on the mirror. “Guys, we are going to need a game plan.”

 Each of you picked a dress. Toms suit was going to be black and burgundy so most of the dresses were those colors but in different styles.

 Julie picked a long flowing burgundy dress with

a high neck. Zendaya’s pick was a black, somewhat poofy , knee length dress with three quarter length lace sleeves.

 “Okay.” You said after trying them on. “I love the length and style of the skirt and the sleeves of the black dress. But I love the color and lace neck of this one.” You held it up, trying to imagine a dress that had everything.

 “I think.” Julie started thumbing through the rack again. “Ah! Here it is. I knew I saw one similar.” Her grin was ear to ear as she spun around holding the dress up to you.

 Zendaya unzipped you as Julie readied the other dress. They were both speechless when you turned to look at them before turning to look at yourself. “Oh.” You stepped closer, moving around to see everything. “Oh yes. This is.” Your fingers ran across the lace designs at the neck that also covered the top. The skirt hit just right and the color was a perfect match to Toms tie. “This is perfect.

 “Here.” Julie and Zendaya both said at the same time. Holding up shoes and a necklace. They fixed you all up and spun you to the mirror.

 “Alright, this is the dress. But, I’m buying it because I want to remember this day forever and I want to wear this again.” You continued to look at yourself while the girls cleaned the room and got the attendant. Tom was going to be speechless just like them, but he was going to have to wait till the premiere.

Tags:

@strang-ersclub @greenarrowhead @delicately-written @thebookwormfairy @fuckyou-imspiderman @infinity-strange @thefuriousquake @ashtons-drummer @tattoobotuniverse @hermionedeservesbetterthanron @unlikelysamwinchesteronahunt @adventurousbooknerd @kaylzjordan

[imgoldielikehawn]

Hatred= Love? Drunk minds.. Sober thoughts

Rating: A for Angst

Pairing: Bjorn Ironside X WOC

Word Count: 2,173

AN: Only one more chapter left loves!  Enjoy! 

Chapter Before

 As far as I was concerned Bjorn and I were finished. That night on the flight back home to the city I realized what had been staring me in the face all along. Bjorn did not want a partner, he wanted someone who raised children and did what they were told and that is not who I am.

What I wanted in life was important and he could not accept it then he could find another. I had made up my mind, I never wanted to see another Viking again if I could help it.

  When I touched down in LA I packed away my things and made arrangements to move out of my old apartment. It was time for me to grow up and be an adult, No more Bullshit. I had a business to run. I was in my second week back at work when I was called into the my bosses office. I was worried that my extended trip away had hurt my chances at advancing within the company. I took a deep breath and walked into the glass office.

  “Silve-Enah, Its good to have you back.” He Smiled putting down the papers he was holding.

 “Its good to be back Sir.” I smiled uneasily unsure of where this was going.

 “You practically made this company what it is today, but im sure you knew that already..” He crossed his hands on the wooden desk.

 “Sir?” I was staring to feel uneasy and sick to my stomach.

 “Your trip away made me realize two very important things; One you play a huge part in this companies success and two we can not survive without you!” He chuckled but I was holding my breath.

 “It is my Honor to welcome you to the big leagues.. Congratulations Miss CEO…”

  Those words turned my world completely upside down. All my hard work had finally paid off, id reached my goals. It was time to set some new goals and the first thing on my list was a home of my own.

  I changed my Number, Changed my hair and did my very best to delete Bjorn from my life. I worked every day so I was kept extremely busy. When I wasn’t working I was moving into my new house. I spent the weekends decorating and working out. My new life was finally coming together and I had everything I could have asked for.

  It was my first early Friday since the three weeks I had been promoted. I kind of had plans with Liza for the night but on the other hand I craved sleep.  I hung my bags on the hook behind the door and went to let my German Shepard out of his kennel. Her name was Bourbon, she was a three year old rescue pup I adopted from the local shelter. Her Tags jingled and she jumped up to be pet and scratched.

 I walked into the kitchen to fill her food bowl and then went to the laundry room to change into some sweats and a white tang top… Buh Bye bra!

I was looking at my wines on the lazy Susan when Bourbon started barking wildly.

Someone was at the door, figuring it was Liza I shushed Bourbon and went to the door. I opened it straight away without checking and was standing face to face with Ubbe. He worse a tan shirt under a leather jacket and jeans.

 “Happy to see me?” He smirked expectantly.

 “How the fuck did you find me Ubbe?” I frowned.

 “I will tell you everything you want to know if you let me in.” He said and reluctantly I stepped aside so he could enter. Bourbon padded up to Ubbe wearily and sniffed his out stretched hand.

 “She's kind of skittish so don’t be shocked if she wont….” My worlds trailed off as Bourbon came and sat right at Ubbes feet so he could pet her. She licked his hand and he scratched her between her ears. Ubbe looked over at me but just smiled smugly.

 “Well then, can I offer you a drink?” I said walking back into the kitchen.

 “I’ll have whatever you are having.” he grinned.

 I poured us both a glass and watched him over the rim of my own has he brought his to his lips. New world clothing suited him well and he was quite handsome.

 “Okay Ubbe, what are you doing here.” I sighed going to sit on the couch.

 “You of course, you just disappeared and no one had heard from you. If it wasn’t for Lagertha and Ragnar, Bjorn would have already flown back here to look for you.” he chuckled.

 “What do you mean?” I asked setting down my glass intrigued.

 “Bjorn spent the first week searching for you in neighboring towns, but when he realized you weren't there he knew you’d flown back to LA. He was going to bring you back home but Lagertha and Ragnar told him he did not deserve you and that if you wanted to leave it was your choice and his fault.” He lifted his glass and drank deeply.

 I laughed because he grimaced when he swallowed the mouthful. “It is not Ale Ubbe!”

 “It sure isn't!” He blanched.

 “I am not returning to Kattagat, No matter who tries to bring me. I have a home and life here, I am the queen of my castle. Bjorn does not deserve me.” I puffed out my chest and spoke firmly.

 “I was afraid that would be your answer. I told him it was pointless to send me. If you had left I knew your mind was already made up.” He laughed softly and took another drink but this time it was much smaller.

 “What would you do if you were me?” I dared. He did not answer right away but when he finally did it was quite profound.

 “I would search my heart, it is impossible to be somewhere forever when your heart lies with another somewhere far away. I would ask myself if it was what I wanted.” he looked at me with the same Striking blue eyes as Ivars and Ragnars.

 “The only thing I'm searching for is the bottom of this wine bottle.. I'm not going back with you.” I jumped up from the couch suddenly.

 “Why, We both know you don’t belong here! You’re a warrior not some corporate puppet Silv!” Ubbe jumped up from the couch to meet my wrath.

 “I DON’T EVEN KNOW WHY YOU CAME HERE!” I had snapped. Everything that had been burning in my chest for a month was spilling from me.

 “I CAME HERE BECAUSE BJORN ASKED ME TO!” he snapped back. He was leaned over the glass table pointing at me as he shouted.

 “OH YEAH LETS PRETEND THATS THE REAL REASON YOU’RE HERE! YOU JUST WANT ME TO BE A MINDLESS FUCKING ZOMBIE LIKE THE REST OF YOUR WIVES AND WOMEN! WHY DON’T YOU TAKE YOUR VIKING SCUM ASS BACK TO MARGRETHE!” I was fuming and seeing red. The veins were popping out in the side of Ubbes neck. He stormed off from the living area to the front door, he got half way there and in a swirl of anger he turned around and came at me like a bat out of hell.

 “Fuck this game, I'm going to get what the fuck I came here for..” Ubbe reached out quick and snatched me up the way you snatched a small child misbehaving. I crashed into him painfully hard and he smashed his lips against mine. I was shocked but it wore off fast and I reached up and shoved Ubbe away. He came for me again and I decked the shit out of him forcing him to finally step back. We both stood in the living room staring at each other…

 “Ivar was right… Bjorn does not deserve you.” He turned from me and walked right out the front door. I could not move as Bourbon stood in the entrance way growling after Ubbe.

     Ubbes POV

  I held the towel to my face while I sat back on the bed in mine and Bjorns Hotel room.

 “I told you she hits hard brother.” Bjorn Chuckled bringing me more ice.

 “Well it was either that or getting mauled by Her animal.” I winced as I removed the towel and replaced it with ice.

 “She's an amazing woman Ubbe… I have to get her back.” Bjorn held his head in his hands. Long gone was the arrogant man I had grown up with. He looked lost for once…..

    Silvees POV

  It was still pretty early after the altercation with Ubbe, I opened a second bottle of wine and sat with Bourbon on the couch. The kiss with Ubbe was amazing, Margrethe was a lucky woman but it did not stir a single thing inside my heart. There was only one man who could do that and somehow the truth of that statement saddened me.

  I looked over at the table behind the couch at the black and white photo of Bjorn and I during our first Yule. I picked up my phone and slid open the contacts to Bjorns name. I still hadn't been able to delete it when I came back to the states. I knew he wouldn't answer because he was all the way in Kattagat.  

I dropped my cell back on the couch and got up to put my empty wine glass in the sink. I corked the remainder of the bottle and put it on top of the fridge. Bourbon was curled up in her kennel but I knew I needed to let her outside one last time before we turned in. I patted my thigh and she stretched and followed me to the front door. I opened the screen and she took off out into the yard, I was standing in the doorway singing to myself drunkenly while I waited for her to come back.

 My Lady Gaga Solo was interrupted when Bourbon started barking. I walked out on to the porch to see what her problem was and almost fell down the stairs.

 “Bourbon shhhhhhhhhhh! Haha... Bourbon I'm drunk but her name is Bourbon she should be the drunk one.” I laughed to myself.

 “You always did prefer to laugh alone…” A voice I knew so well came from the walkway making me look up from my thoughts.

 “What-ter you doing here?” I said opening my eyes wide to see Bjorn. There was no use in trying to sober up.

 “I came to see you but if you want me to leave then I will.” He turned to go when I didn’t respond.

 “Wait…” I called out. Bjorn came back towards me and stood on the bottom stair looking at me.

 I took the opportunity to really see him. For the last few years we had spent so much time fighting that all the good things about us had been forgotten.

 “I am sorry Silve-Enah….Just take me for the brute I am and know that I don’t deserve you.” He came up one more step.

 “Fuck-k na you don’t” I frowned. “ But we’re up shits creek without a fucking paddle because I'm in love with you, you stupid bastard.” I Held out my arms like a child and he wrapped his firm arms around my waist and my legs went around his.

 “Take me home..” I Said buried in the crook of his neck. I had missed his scent so much since I had left.. I had no idea where were going to go from here but there was one thing I had to say before we went inside.

 “Bjorn ?” I pulled away and clumsily held his face between my small hands.

 “Yes Silvee.” he said.

I leaned in real close and whispered, “ Ubbe Kissed me.. But I punched him.”

 “Thank you for telling me..” he chuckled.

 “But you already knew that didn’t you..” I frowned.

 “Maybe…” He leaned forward to kiss the end of my nose.

 “Have I told you I hate you ?” I smiled.

 “Almost every day of our lives together….” He smirked kissing my lips this time.

Tags 

@sparklemichele​ @oddsnendsfanfics​ @readsalot73​ @lupy22​ @kenzieam​ @laketaj24​ @captainstefanbrandt @wilddrabble​ @galaxygimger1234​ @jdroman5432​ @titty-teetee​ @oneday-i-will-fight-luke17​ @yessscolbybrock​ @letsshamelessqueen-m​ @harleycativy​ @beltzboys2015-blog​ @beltz2016​  @asadmelon​ @decisivelynotsure​

[izzy-b-hands]

Neither Snow, Nor Rain, Nor...

Written for my DL server Bingo Card prompt: Delivery Person AU. 

Tbh, struggled with this one. But I think this little thing is decently cute and silly!

The lads take up helping John deliver parts for an electrical supplies shop he works at, to bring in extra money for them all as a band (and also to survive in general, with money being tight.) 

That’s easy. You take the package, deliver it to the person, done! Can’t be messed up, right? 

Right?

My love to all who read/like/reblog!

“Long story short, it’s a really easy gig, we can all take turns at it, and they’ll pay us decently for each delivery we make,” John said. “So long as we’re careful and the various bits and bobs get where they need to be safely. I mean, it’s electrical components and things like that, so it isn’t that they aren’t sturdy, but all the same, we don’t want to roughhouse with them.” 

“You like this job, right?” Roger asked.

John nodded. 

“Yet you’re telling us about the opportunity to join you in doing it,” Roger continued. 

John nodded again. “Your point?” 

“I ask because I feel like if you enjoy the job...you wouldn’t want to introduce us to it...” Roger said. 

“I trust you all to do your best,” John said. “Also, unrelated, don’t check the shared bank account if you don’t want to be incredibly depressed.” 

“We’ve got enough for the week at least,” Brian said. 

John shook his head very, very, slowly. 

“...So when can we start helping move their deliveries?” Brian asked brightly.

“Now,” John replied, and starting handing out boxes. “We’re behind at the shop, by nearly a week. If we weren’t, I wouldn’t have been allowed to bring these home to be delivered, but the owner doesn’t care right now so long as they get to the right people and places.” 

“It’s nearly four in the afternoon,” Freddie said. “Surely that’s too late?” 

“Doesn’t matter,” John said curtly. “If people don’t like it, too bad.” 

“And if they complain to us and want an explanation?” Freddie asked. 

John shrugged. “Say sorry, hand the package over, and move on.” 

“That’s...I don’t think that will work,” Freddie said. 

“Done it before, they’ve all come back in for more parts,” John said. “Don’t waste time giving them extra words to argue over. Apologize politely, hand it over, walk away.” 

“It’s all been paid for in advance, right?” Brian asked. 

John nodded. “Literally, just hand them the package and go.” 

Roger raised his hand.

“No, you cannot toss it to them,” John said. “Or to their door. Set everything down nicely, please.” 

Roger put his hand down. 

“I’ve got maps,” John said, and handed them out. “I couldn’t have made this any easier for you.” 

---

“Couldn’t have made this any harder,” Roger scoffed. The borrowed messenger bag full of parcels bashed into his hip with every step, as he plodded down the sidewalk with the map open. “Why not give us routes all in a straight line? On to one block, then back to another, then over again...honestly, Deaky...” 

“Why do you have all those?” 

He jumped a foot at the tiny voice by his side. “Who the fuck?” 

“Hello!” 

The kid was all of maybe six, a little boy with a lolly in hand...held by the candy itself, not the stick. “Why do you have so many boxes?” 

“It’s for a job,” Roger replied. “I’ve got to go now.” 

“Is it a good job?” 

“Jobs are just...jobs,” Roger sighed, keeping on down the pavement, the kid beside him, little legs jogging slightly to keep up. “You’ll understand when you’re older. Where’s your mum anyway?” 

“Somewhere,” the kid shrugged. “Like everybody else.” 

“And what does that mean?” Roger laughed. 

The kid shrugged again. “Can I have one of ‘em?” 

“No, they’re for the people I’m delivering to,” Roger said, and shifted the bag to his other hip, away from the kid. 

“You seem mean,” the kid frowned. “My mummy says mean people end up all alone.” 

“You should tell your mummy it takes one to know one,” Roger muttered. “Why don’t you head home?” 

The kid reached for his bag, and he swerved away wordlessly. 

But the kid tried again, dropping their candy to the ground and reaching with both hands. 

“It isn’t even anything interesting!” Roger shouted. “It’s electrical bits and what not. Nothing for kids!” 

“I don’t care,” the kid said simply, as if it should have been evident from the start. 

“Well, I don’t care that you don’t care!” Roger cried, swerving again away from the kid’s grasping hands. “Stop it!” 

He took off down the sidewalk, the kid on his heels, and swore under his breath. 

How much money could this hassle really be worth?

---

“Erm,” Brian was squirming inside, uncomfortable with the whole situation. “It’s already been paid for, or so I was told.” 

“Mold?!” the bent-over, elderly man in front of him shouted. “No, we’re free of that scourge.” 

“Oh lord,” Brian muttered under his breath. “No...I mean you can take your money back.” 

He held out the bills for the old man, who stared at him. 

“You already paid for the parts,” Brian said loudly, slowly. 

“I what?” 

“You don’t have to give me money!” Brian tried again, desperately, pushing the money towards him. 

“Young man, that’s how selling things works! I’ve got the parts, so you get money! Don’t let your boss man hear you trying to give things away for free!” 

“No!” Brian groaned, frustrated. “Please take your money back!” 

“Slack?” the old man tilted his head. “I don’t think you’re slacking off; I didn’t say that!” 

“I know!” Brian said. “I didn’t say you did!” 

“Then what did you say?!” 

“Take your money back!!” 

“A snack? Well, that’s your own problem whenever your lunch is, young man! You can’t just ask people for food like that!” 

Brian sighed, and checked his watch. It was the first house he had stopped at, and he had now been there for twenty minutes. The end of the delivery was not in sight. 

He took a deep breath. “Sir, you already paid for the parts...” 

---

“Hello!” he said cheerfully as a new tail wound itself around his legs, a tiny head butting against him. 

He wasn’t sure if John had given him a route with cats all over it on purpose, or if it was a happy coincidence, but either way, it was lovely. 

Freddie had a small army of cats following him from house to house now as he dropped each package off. The people he delivered to were delighted by it, and he was pleased as punch to have company. 

He reached the end of the block, and looked to the cats at his feet. “Now, I’m going to the next few blocks over. I’d imagine that’s a good way from home for all of you, so back you go, darlings!” 

The cats stared up at him. 

He frowned, and took a step forward. 

The cats followed. 

“No, you lot need to stay near your homes,” he tried again. He knew cats tended to wander, but these had all emerged from backyards and door ways as he’d passed, so he knew where they each belonged. 

He took another step, and half of the cats mewed angrily. 

“Oh...” he sighed. “Would you like me to deliver you all home as well?” 

The combined purring was ridiculously loud, and louder still as he picked one of them up, the one that had last joined their crew. 

“Alright. Now, you belonged to that yard with the little girl in it, and she’ll be happy to see you, won’t she? So let’s get you home...” 

---

“Thanks,” John said as the door slammed in his face. 

He was used to that. It was an equal balance of normal folks making repairs to their homes, and odder ones who seemed a bit reclusive and/or like they were building something weird with all the parts he delivered. A day without a door slammed in his face after he handed over a package was a day that simply did not exist. 

He fumbled in the messenger bag for the next package, but came up empty. 

“I hope they keep up with this,” he murmured to himself as he started for Roger’s assigned set of blocks. “I’m done faster, and by now, they must be too! We’ll never be behind on deliveries again.” 

“You are terrible!” Roger’s voice carried over the next street, and John raced towards it. 

There, in the center of the street, stood Roger, arguing with a child. 

“I do not like to say that about a kid!” Roger continued. “But you are so mean! Do you treat your friends like this at school?” 

“My mummy says-” 

“Oh my god, your mummy can stuff her opinion up her fat fanny!” 

“Roger!” John called out. “What the fuck?” 

“This little shit!” Roger pointed to the kid, who smiled, showing off missing front teeth. 

“Did you get anything delivered?” 

“A few,” Roger replied desperately. “I’ve been trying! This fucker tries to snatch every package as I hand them over to people! And worse yet, people think he’s mine! Or a little brother, or something! It’s horrible!” 

“I’m only trying to help,” the kid said, lower lip stuck out. 

“Oh you are the worst,” Roger seethed. 

“Enough,” John sighed. “You go on home.” 

“M’kay!” the kid said cheerfully, and trotted back the way he’d came. 

Roger did a double take. “You’ve got to be joking. He wouldn’t listen to me at all; I begged him to go home!” 

“How much have you got left?” John asked. 

“Four,” Roger muttered. 

John nodded. “Not bad. You know, you can’t acknowledge Thomas like that, or he’ll follow you all the way back home. His mum gets distracted with his siblings, and I think he gets bored.”

“You know that tiny devil?!” Roger asked, aghast. 

“Attended his birthday party last year,” John smiled. “At his request. Mum said I made his day, doing that.” 

“I...” Roger sighed deeply. “I should get to delivering these.” 

“We’ll get them done on the way to Brian,” John said, and took the lead as they found the last four houses on Roger’s route. 

As they left the last house, they could hear Brian, shouting hoarsely. 

“Sir, please, take the fucking money!” 

He was knelt in front of a closed front door, knocking on it rapidly. 

“Oh no,” John winced. “You didn’t go to Melvin first, did you?” 

“Who?” Brian croaked as he turned around and stood. 

John nodded to the front door. “Melvin. Deaf as can be, with dementia or something to boot.” 

“Yes,” Brian said slowly. “Yes, he was my first delivery.” 

“Ah, rookie mistake,” John laughed. “But my fault, I didn’t think to warn you. We’ll help you get the rest taken care of, and now you know for next time.” 

“He paid me!” Brian scoffed, showing John the bills in his hand. 

“Yeah, like I said, his memory comes and goes. We just hang onto whatever money he gives us when we deliver to him, and his daughter comes by to collect it at the end of every week. Usually lets us keep a bit, to get a treat for everyone at the shop that day.” 

Brian looked ready to cry, and handed the money over to John as Roger trotted to him and led him to the sidewalk. 

“If it makes you feel better, I met a fucking gremlin on my route,” he said. 

“Thomas isn’t a gremlin,” John chuckled. “He’s six, and he gets bored easily, and thinks any adult wandering about during the day on their own are very cool.” 

“He’s a gremlin,” Roger hissed as they followed John to the next house on Brian’s route. 

“I’ll take your word for it,” Brian said. 

Ten houses later, Brian had no more packages, and they were on to Freddie’s route. 

“Wonder if Freddie had it any better,” John mused happily. “Since you two had such a rough go of it.” 

“Now, where is your home?” Freddie’s voice drifted towards them, and he nearly crashed into them, his eyes on the cat he was talking to, held in his arms. “How come we haven’t been able to find your home?” 

The cat meowed, and he moved past them, not even hearing their laughter as they stopped and watched him go. 

“Fred!” John called out. “Where are you going?” 

Freddie turned rapidly. “Oh! When did you lot get here?” 

“You just nearly ran into us, and walked past us,” Roger replied. “Who is that?” 

“I don’t know,” Freddie said sadly. “I’ve got all the cats that followed me round my route home, except for this one. And I can’t recall when he joined up.” 

“Did you get them all delivered?” John asked, gesturing to the messenger bag Freddie wore. 

He nodded. “But this little one was along for all of the deliveries, every block. No one knows him! I can’t believe it.” 

“Well, maybe if you set him down, he’ll find his way,” Brian said, though he didn’t look convinced of his own words. 

“No,” Freddie said. “He just follows me then.” 

As proof, he set the cat down, and rushed over to them. 

The cat followed, meowing excitedly at the chase, and purring as Freddie picked him up again. 

“There are a few strays,” John said. “On this route. Possible he’s one of those. And even if he isn’t, I’m sure we could run up some posters about a missing cat, and until we find an owner-” 

“Oh, I’ve got a spot already picked out for a bed for you,” Freddie interrupted, snuggling the cat close, who somehow purred even louder. “And we’ll get you toys and a blanket of your own so you can cuddle whenever I’m not home, and-” 

“And Freddie is going to spoil you silly,” Roger interrupted with a smile. 

“Yes, yes I am,” Freddie agreed. “He was a very good delivery cat. It’s the least I can do for him!” 

“Maybe he can come with on the next one too?” John asked. 

“...You want us to do this again?” Roger asked, clearly puzzled. 

“Yeah, if you’d like to,” John replied. “We’ll all get paid for it, and you did fine for your first time. Why not keep it up?” 

“You consider this good?” Brian chuckled. “Roger fought a child-” 

“He started it,” Roger grumbled. 

“Freddie became a cat father on accident-” 

“Happy accident,” Freddie interrupted, giving the cat a soft kiss. 

“And I...well,” Brian sighed. 

“Yeah,” John said. “Usually the delivery people end up stealing shit, and never actually deliver anything. I’m the only one that hasn’t been fired yet; that’s why the owner trusted me to bring in new people for this. None of you do any electrical work as a hobby, so you won’t steal anything, and at worst...well, what happened today would happen, and that’s really not bad at all.” 

“So...more tomorrow?” Roger asked. 

John nodded. “If you lot are up for it; there’ll be more to pick up and deliver.” 

“Are we proper delivery people now?” Brian pondered. 

“Not yet,” John replied. “Not until you meet the dog on route seven, and see if you can outrun him.” 

“That’s not funny,” Freddie laughed. “Trying to psych us out like that.” 

“Yeah, really,” Roger chuckled. 

“Honestly,” Brian shook his head. 

John didn’t laugh, and they spent the rest of the walk back home hoping beyond hope they wouldn’t get assigned route seven the next day. 

John spent it quiet, having a private giggle inside with the knowledge of the existing routes one through six written down in the notepad in his bag. He meant no harm, but it would keep them from getting overconfident. 

Plus, he couldn’t guarantee something like that wouldn’t happen on any of the actual routes. But for their sake, his sake, and the sake of the shop, he hoped it wouldn’t. 

He didn’t want to go back to doing the deliveries alone, not when having his friends with made it that much more exciting. 

[mnranger5]

The BIG 4-0, Kansas City, MO, 1/18/19 - 1/20/19

Let me hit you with 40 un-interesting facts about my 40 years on earth!  

I’ve woken up and gone to bed 14,600 days in my life.

I’ve put shoes on at least 50,000 times.

I’ve traveled to 31 of our 50 states.

I can’t drink more than 3 beers without waking up to a terrible headache.

I’ve purchased 1 mattress in my lifetime.  For as much time as you spend on them, good ones are worth every penny.

I have a pile problem.  I have piles of laundry on my floor.  I have a pile of mail 4 months old.  I have a pile of paperwork on my desk that stresses me out to look at.  I have a pile of junk in the glove box in my car.  I have a pile of fishing tackle that I swear will one day be organized in tackle boxes.

I have owned eight cars in my lifetime: 1987 Pontiac Grand AM, 2001 Pontiac Grand Am, 2011 Ford Explorer Sport, 2005 Ford Explorer Limited, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, 2011 Ford Explorer Limited, 2012 Jeep Wrangler and 2017 GMC Sierra. 

I have called nine different cities home: Kansas City, MO; Raytown, MO; Waseca, MN; Duluth, MN; Bismarck, ND; Bloomington, MN; Eagan, MN; Rosemount, MN and Apple Valley, MN

I’ve broken five bones in my life: both arms, nose, foot, ankle…

…and only the ankle hurt on a similar level to my torn ACL/MCL.

My first day working at Blue Cross Blue Shield was September, 11, 2001.  What a memorable day that was.

My starting salary was $31,000.  I turned down a competing offer to work at a Plymouth small B2B business that essentially lined up     maintenance companies (heating, plumbing, electrical) with businesses that needed urgent maintenance at their facilities.  That job paid $40,000/year.  I would have accepted it on the sole basis of salary, but Mom and Dad recommended I take the job at the stable company, BCBS instead.  Which was a great recommendation.  The other company went out of business 6 months after offering me the job.  Thanks Mom and Dad!

I’ve spent nearly 50% of my life (18 years) working at BCBS.  In those 18 years…

…I’ve had  19 bosses at BCBS: Marv, Karla, Rob, Cheryl, Phil, Kevin, Gary, Mary, Terri, Shawn, Deb, Patrick, Rajat, Jim, Zachery, Maggie, Karen, Janet & Jay

I used to manage a team.  I used to want my boss’ job, and the job of my boss’ boss.  No more.  I love being an individual contributor. I love the flexibility to be a Dad whenever I want or need to be a Dad and not be     tied to the office. 

I’ve enjoyed video games since Dad got us an Intelevision with Dungeons & Dragons, Baseball and Racing.  As video games have advanced in technology, I’ve played some pretty awesome games.  My favorites over the years were Super Mario Brothers 2 (which Dad apparently waited in a long line for at KB Toys), Starcraft, Fallout New Vegas, Fallout 4, Call of Duty Modern Warfare and Call of Duty Black Ops 4 (Blackout).

My back, knees and feet hurt all the time.

I always order the same thing off of a restaurant menu, never changing up the order.

Unless I am going to the lake, I have the hardest time getting out of bed in the morning.

My favorite cereals now are the same cereals that were my favorite as a kid – Corn Pops, Apple Jacks, Sugar Golden Crisp.

I prefer to have Diet Pepsi over any other beverage, even if it’s warm cookies or breakfast food.

Due to #18 & 19, I’ve put on an unwanted 20lbs in the past 5 years.

I have been planning the 12 Bars of Christmas for 35% of my adult life.

I love the smell and look of a freshly mowed yard.

I watch the stock market daily, and usually make poor investment choices that are based on my gut feeling (e.g. I saw a huge line at Home Depot this weekend, so I better buy some HD stock!)

I enjoy vacations so much more now then I did 20 years ago.

It took 17 years, but I am finally student loan debt free as of 2018!

In 2011, I ran a half marathon in 2 hours and 1 minute.  The day after making that run, I found out I had caused a stress fracture in my right foot.

Dyan and I posed in this picture together 6 months before we ever met.

On our first date in November, we went to Carbone’s in Rosemount.  We both ducked out of work a couple of     hours early (nobody would notice, right?).     We sat at the bar, each sipping on a drink.  She only had one drink before switching to water.  In my head I was thinking, this must not be going well if she is done after one beverage.  We continued conversing but I couldn’t focus on any of the conversation because I was being     blinded by the sunset as it’s shine was perfectly aligned with me through the front door.  I am sure my ugly squinting was a very attractive first impression.  I left the bar less than 2 hours later thinking I’d never hear from her again….

A few weeks later, she came to 12BoC with me.  The rest is history.  I’ve have checked off some bucket list fishing destinations such as Caddo Lake in Texas/Louisiana, Lake Fork in Texas, and the Atlantic Ocean in the Florida Keys..

...and the biggest bass I have caught to date came from a a small lake (Lake Marion) just 5 miles from my house.  This largemouth was a whopping 5.25lbs. 

I’ve been on the losing end of fishing tournaments WAY more than the winning end.  The only tournament I’ve ever won was the Twin City Fishing tournament on Shields Lake in 2013.  It was my very first tournament. Aaron and I weighed a giant, 21lb, sack of fish that only won by mere ounces.  This might be my most favorite fishing story to tell.

If I could be in a different profession, my #1 would be a lawyer.  I think I also would have made a good weatherman, pilot or engineer.

Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and crave a Diet Pepsi.  I will literally chug the entire can of pop at 3AM.  Oh, the burn is so good!

My favorite guilty pleasure is playing video games with Josh.

My ideal retirement would be Arizona for Jan-Mar, and a cabin on a MN lake from Apr-Dec.

What does all this mean?  

I AM GETTING OLD!

I complain to Dyan about 40 times per year about how much I miss seeing family and how little I get to spend with them.  So for my 40th, Dyan planned a trip to KC to spend the weekend celebrating with my family!  

 Traveling from Minnesota to Missouri in January. What could go wrong?

Only a big ol’ snowstorm. 

Great.  We decided we’d get on the road early.  Like 4AM-early.  Based on the forecast, if we hit the road by 4, we should be just on the leading edge of the snow before it hits southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.  So, here was the radar when we left Apple Valley vs. the radar when we hit Mason City.

We beat the storm!

We arrived in Kansas City early, around 11AM and spent some time bumming around at Bass Pro Shops so the kids could stretch their legs a bit.  Daddy had to get a couple Alabama Rigs for the April tournament in the Ozarks.  We then made a quick stop for lunch at Carrabba’s Italian Grill where mom and dad joined up with us.

After lunch, it was back to Bass Pro for some target shooting.  Grandpa challenged the kids to some shooting with the laser rifles, which was a hoot.  Next, we decided to see if we could check-in to our Airbnb.  We had never rented a house through Airbnb, but Dyan suggested we book a house on this trip so that my parents and us could all stay in the same place.  The Kansas City area had some unique rental homes, but we fell in love with pictures of The Fillmore Manor on the grounds of Unity Village.  Neither of us had ever stayed in a house that had an official name!

From the moment we spotted this beautiful English Cotswold style home nestled among the gentle hills of Unity Village, we knew we had made the right decision. What a gorgeous setting for a beautiful home.

The kids made quick work of staking claims on beds and exploring the winding passages through the house.  Josh and Melanie met up with us that evening and we all went out to dinner at Texas Roadhouse, where yes, I got to ride in the birthday saddle while the restaurant sang Happy Birthday to me!  Later that evening, we began assembling a very challenging 500-piece holographic puzzle.  

On Saturday morning, we had breakfast at Unity Village (which was unexpectedly good) before heading back to the house for some more puzzle time.  And we finished!

We lounged around most of the morning while the kids overloaded on Melanie’s birthday cupcakes and Mom’s World Famous ALL-CRISPIX Chex Mix and Scotch-a-Roo’s. Then we split up.  The boys went to play Call of Duty at Josh’s house, while the girls went to the Trampoline Park.  

Apparently, the trampoline park was a stitch!

And tuckered everybody out!

Around 1PM, we all met for lunch at Jack Stack BBQ, which was AHHHH-mazing.  

We then returned home for some Scabble and an unsuspectingly fun game called, Farkle.  

With as much Farkle as we played over the weekend, we’ve decided we need to own this game at home!

We spent a few hours that evening at the arcade having some drinks while playing laser tag, air hockey and video games.  

We all had so much fun!

Unfortunately, the following morning we all had to say goodbye, and hit the highway for our homes.

[ecotone99]

[HM, SP] No-Star Reviews

Joel struggled to find the right words.

He’d written so much so often lately that it had become difficult not to describe his thoughts but to piece together sentences that differentiated them from one another.

“Incompetent,” he typed, then paused.

No, scratch that, he thought. Delete, delete, delete.

“Negligent,” came out through the flurry of clicks.

Too easy to rebut, he thought.

“Malignant and diseased,” he typed as a sneer crossed his face and tears spilled over his lip and into his mouth.

He’d found the perfect words with the perfect weight.

He hit the enter key and felt a wave of exhilaration that made his face flush.

Just two months and more than a hundred thousand words ago, Joel decided he’d had enough of his mother, his boss and what felt like a million others walking across his back each day. Any man with an ounce of pride would never have taken the abuse so long, which meant there was no reason to take it a day longer, Joel thought as he stared at his paunchy reflection in a mirror spotted with flecks of toothpaste.

“I will build my own empire. Today,” he whispered through gritted teeth then wiped away the evidence of his sobbing and put in eye drops hoping to avoid tipping off his mother that he’d been crying again.

But the groundbreaking had to wait. Eight or nine hours, at least. Mr. Figginbottom promised Joel he’d be fired if he called out again and Joel was sure the octogenarian wasn’t lying this time. His boss’s 50-something nephew had recently moved back to town, surely after being kicked out of his own mother’s house after yet another failed stint at a rehab, and Mr. Figginbottom was looking for any excuse to give away Joel’s gig. And while no man ever became rich selling pool supplies for a man who couldn’t even become rich owning a small chain of pool supply stores, Joel needed at least one more paycheck to cover his own startup expenses.

The windfall came sooner than expected, though. Joel had barely clocked in when the phone at the front desk rang. INTERNAL, it said.

“Checkout, this is Joel,” he answered.

“Joel, this is Figs. Can you come back and see Linda in my office?”

“It’s a little busy up here, actually. There’s a woman who was asking Roger for help with chlorine tablets and as soon as she asked, two more people walked in …”

“Joel, I want to make clear that I wasn’t asking a question, I was giving an order,” the man on the line said.

A long silence took hold before Mr. Figginbottom tired of waiting.

“Joel, I said …”

“Yessir, be right back,” Joel said and slammed down the receiver.

Joel was surprised to see Mr. Figginbottom in the office.

“I thought Linda was supposed to be here,” Joel said from the doorway, still holding the knob.

“She’s right there,” Mr. Figginbottom said, pointing to a blonde woman holding a clipboard sitting on the small sofa hidden behind the door.

“Hi, Joel,” she said warmly as she leaned into view.

“Son, sit down,” Mr. Figginbottom said.

Joel had no idea what this could be about but he wondered if it wasn’t his opportunity to preemptively quit. To tell Mr. Figginbottom this was the worst job he had ever had working for the biggest idiot he had ever met who owned the worst company in the world.

“Joel, we saw the tape,” Mr. Figginbottom said. “I’ll be honest, I’m half tempted to beat you myself first but Linda here says that’s not going to look good for my insurance rates, so I’m just going to tell you to get out of here right now.”

Joel was stuck on the part about the tape when he realized there was more to process.

“Joel, actually, there are some papers we have to go over,” Linda said as she began pulling some documents from beneath the clipboard’s hinge. Mr. Figginbottom cocked his head, a little perturbed the office manager’s politeness had sucked the vinegar out of the rant he was building up to.

“Wait, what tape?” Joel asked.

Mr. Figginbottom looked at Linda, who turned back to Joel and opened her mouth to speak before being cut off.

“Joel, there’s a security camera in the back of the building,” Mr. Figginbottom said as he leaned across the desk, face reddening as the position pulled his shirt taught and made the rolls of fat hang out over his collar more than usual. “We started getting complaints from the closer that someone was blowing mud behind the dumpster. We looked at the camera, and by God, if that wasn’t you, Joel.”

That much was true. Joel had always hated going to the bathroom at work. Or rather, he hated going to the bathroom in the bathroom at work. It was a single-stall, unisex bathroom the employees shared with customers. It was usually clean enough — Joel often had to take care of that himself — but it was a cacophonous tile room that sent reverberations of even the gentlest tinkle throughout the store. There was a smaller but better-insulated facility in the back room but that was reserved solely for Mr. Figginbottom, who had “the I.B. syndrome,” as he’d often say unburdened with the shame Joel carried for such talk. The way Joel saw it, he had no other choice but to go behind the dumpster.

“Son, are you even listening?” Mr. Figginbottom asked as he pulled a handkerchief from the pocket of his plaid western shirt and wiped the beading sweat off his bald head.

Mr. Figginbottom leaned back in the chair again and swallowed hard, covering his mouth.

“I’m nauseous right now thinking about that video, you …”

“Fig,” Linda interrupted, “we talked about the paperwork for Joel? Remember the paperwork?”

The rest was a bit of a blur. Crying now for the second time in an hour, Joel nodded along as Linda told him about how he could sign up for COBRA Health Insurance and how he’d have 10 days to return all three of his work shirts, properly washed and pressed, please.

“And you’ve accrued 32 vacation hours that we’ll be paying you out for today along with the rest of your scheduled hours for this week,” Linda said as she handed him a check in exchange for the clipboard full of documents he’d been signing.

It was 9:25 a.m. Monday and Joel held $388 in his hands. The tears started to dry as he realized this was his seed money. Mr. Figginbottom had inadvertently become an angel investor.

Thirty minutes later, Joel was a new man. He paid his mother $300 for two months’ rent in advance and he was a free man for the next 60 days. Nothing could get in the way of his empire now.

First, though, Joel needed to get something off his chest. He pulled out his laptop and signed in to a Facebook account under the name Colby Stimpson, a chiseled man with perfect hair whose stock photos Joel stole for an account he used to stalk all the girls he knew a decade ago high school who wouldn’t accept a friend request from his real account.

“If I could give Fig’s Pools no stars, I would,” Joel typed into the review field as Colby Stimpson. “It is run by a fat and old man who loves having power over everyone for no reason other than he has the IB syndrome … aka DIHARREA! He also loves his employee Linda so much he has sex with her at work without his wife. I suggest you try a different pool company that cares for its customers because this is a no star place with an owner who could drop dead and anyone could care less!”

Joel slept as well as he had in months that night and awoke at 2 p.m. thanks to the blackout curtains he bought the afternoon before. It was an investment in himself, he thought as he watched his newfound nest egg dip to about $50.

He rolled over and picked up his phone to open /r/hentai but saw a stack of text message alerts on his lock screen, all from Roger at the pool store.

“Can’t believe it. So crazy!” the latest message read. “I guess it happened last night when he got home,” another read as the story unraveled in reverse as Joel scrolled to the top of the text chain.

“Figs is DEAD!” the first message said.

“LOL,” Joel replied, following up with a laughing emoji.

The next few days were a mix of emotions for Joel. He had intended to spend them building an empire of some kind — maybe an app company or a place that sold graphic novels and adult novelties, he thought — but instead found himself watching anime and wondering whether it was right to feel so vindicated by Mr. Figginbottom’s death. Confused by his own emotions, he left the house for the first time since being fired and walked the two blocks to the Stop-N-Shop.

He filled up the handbasket with a dozen Little Debbie snack cakes and as many Rockstar energy drinks before throwing a one-pound back of pretzels on top of it all.

“Forty-six eighty-eight,” the man at the counter said after scanning it all.

It seemed like a lot of money for groceries but it was enough to let Joel avoid leaving the house again for a least three or four days.

The card reader let out a flat honk. “Declined,” the man behind the counter said.

“Let me try it again,” Joel said.

HONK.

“Do you have another way to pay?” the man asked Joel.

“No, but there’s at least $50 in the account,” he said.

“It’s declined. Do you have cash?”

“No, but there’s money in there.”

“Then you’ll have to go to the bank to get your cash out,” the man said, pulling the handbasket across the counter to his side.

“If there was negative stars this place would get them all,” Colby Stimpson’s review read. “They won’t do business with their best shoppers and it means they will LOOSE THEM ALL! Bad customer service = never shopping there again because of the experience. Totally negligent and discrimination from the clarks with no respect. I wouldn’t give a rip if this place burned down tomorrow. Shop at a better place who cares about customers such as Murphy’s.”

Joel’s hunger strike didn’t last long. He woke up the next morning with an empty stomach and a headache so bad he winced. He needed sugar and caffeine. He put on his Crocs, pulled $5 in quarters from the old coffee tin his mother used to collect coins and started his trek to the Stop-N-Shop. He had barely turned the first corner when he saw the black smoke rising from the other side of the strip mall. He picked up his pace excited at the prospect of seeing something burning down and turned the last corner wheezing from the brisk walk to find a few beams and a row of gas pumps covered in ash where the Stop-N-Shop was a day earlier.

The fire must have started hours ago because only one fire truck remained and its sirens weren’t even on. How the sound didn’t wake him up just two blocks away was a mystery but the store caught fire sometime during the night and there was nothing but rubble left.

Joel was dismayed by his first thought. “I’ll have to walk another six blocks to the next store.”

His second thought put him in a better mood: “I did this.”

Joel spent the rest of the afternoon pacing his room taking mental note of everyone and every company that had ever wronged him, no matter how minor a slight.

“I wish there were zero stars instead of one star but it’s thanks to everyone gets a trophy in this society,” read Colby Stimpson’s screed on the Old Navy Facebook page. “The employees at this particular location are very judgemental and have no interest in finding what is the truth from lying customers. They have a changing room that is just a curtain and if you are man and are shopping there and have to try on clothes you can’t knock on a curtain. And when you open it and there’s a girl in there the employees at this location will say the cops are coming even though you followed all their own rules. I hope they all get laid off for being INCOMPETENT!”

Joel stayed up for hours on end posting in an almost fugue state. Long-forgotten memories came flooding back.

A Hormel Chili can that had some kind of root vegetable in it. “Can you say health codes? What is going on in that factory?”

A grocery store that was always out of his favorite pasta sauce. “Disappointing to say the least. This store needs to be shut down ASTAT!”

A Target whose manager once refused to let him return a package of briefs that were too small. “This store is a scam! How would you even know if they fit if you can’t try them on but then you can’t return them once you put them on? The BBB needs to investigate this illegitimate business.”

In the weeks that followed came a reign of terror. Inspectors shut down canneries for unsanitary conditions. Shopping malls closed, taking out all of their tenants at once. Stock prices dropped and stores were closed after bad earnings calls.

From his fingertips to God’s ears.

As time went on, Joel realized it was easier than he first realized. He hardly had to mention a slight or even why he was offering a one-star rating. Just posting an inane comment in the reviews was enough to cause some damage.

“This hammer looks weak and dumb. One star crap,” Colby Stimpson’s review read. A week later, a pallet of ball-peen hammers crushed a warehouse worker at an Amazon fulfillment center 1,200 miles away.

The allure of this new power kept Joel so occupied that he rarely left his room. He barely had time to eat between screeds and he had lost almost 20 pounds in a month. He had only seen his mother twice in that time, so he hadn’t noticed she, too, was quickly losing weight until she collapsed in the shower.

Joel’s fingers tapped on his knees, as much a nervous tick as a habit now as he sat next to his mother’s hospital bed. There were machines and tubes keeping her stable but the doctor warned him they were a temporary fix at best. Days, maybe hours, were all she had left.

Joel awoke the next morning to a nurse sitting next to him in the waiting room her a hand on his arm.

“Are you Mr. J. Porter? Annie’s son?” she asked as Joel sat up and nodded. “I’m sorry, sir, but your mother has passed.”

Joel spent the next two hours walking home to clear his mind and subconsciously avoiding his destination by taking the long way through a park. He sat at a picnic table for a moment and felt the tears cut chilly trails down his face in the crisp fall air. Phone in hand, he opened Facebook and searched for the hospital’s page.

“I wish I could surgically remove stars from the ratings because the doctors and employees here are MALIGNANT AND DISEASED and all their tools look more like they are from 1819 not 2019,” read Colby Stimpson’s review. “This place is so filthy I would not be surprised if they cause a new plague.”

submitted by /u/TheEggplantEconomist [link] [comments] via Blogger https://ift.tt/3hDWt6n

[adventuresaroundasia]

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info. 

After five years of living in China, and two years of This Beijing Life, things have changed. I left my job as a college counselor in China, and now I’m living a life on my terms. I’m my own boss, I travel when I want, and live where I want. I’m FINALLY living my dream of location independence.

I hope you’ll all follow me along on my new journey: The Freedom Life.

Pin Me!

What I Was Up to In June

This month I took a quick visa run to Chiang Mai where I ate ALL OF THE THAI FOOD. I also got a new batch of foster kittens, had a bridesmaid dress catastrophe with a local tailor, and finally applied to be on the show Survivor!

Where I Was This Month

Hoi An, Vietnam

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Highlights

Overall this was a pretty good month in Southeast Asia!

Eating all the khao soi

Quick Trip to Chiang Mai

This month I went on a quick visa trip to Chiang Mai Thailand! Chris and I have already done most of the touristy activities there, so we decided to treat it more like a vacation and sneak peek into what our lives might be like if we choose to move there next year.

We visited a few coffee shops and shopping centers, watched a movie, researched coworking spaces (none of which are as epic as the Hub Hoi An, despite there being a TON of them), and met up with our blogger friend Justin and his fiance for dinner.

Overall it was a really good trip! While Chiang Mai isn’t as beautiful as Hoi An, it definitely has a lot more amenities, so we’re seriously considering living there in the future!

Look how cute they are!

New Baby Rescue Kittens

This one is pretty bittersweet, but we had to give back our three foster kittens and take on two new foster babies. I’ll talk more about WHY in the challenges section, but just know that we do love our two new foster kittens Woody and Jessie, who are doing great!

Woody an Jessie were originally left to die in a dumpster (come ON Hoi An, seriously?), and were rescued by Jack’s Cat Cafe with their two brothers Buzz and Andy (who are with another foster family). They were only about 2 weeks old and were nursed to health by the staff. Now they’re happy and crazy in our house!

These two kittens are literally the cutest ever, especially Woody who is literally PAINFULLY CUTE. I honestly can’t seem to perfectly capture his cuteness in a photo, but just know that his face literally melts my eyes.

I have some practice living in tropical paradise?

I FINALLY Applied for Survivor

If you didn’t already know that I’m obsessed with the show Survivor… well, now you know! I’ve been dreaming of applying to the show for YEARS and I finally created and sent in my audition tape.

Sometimes it can be so easy to put off your dreams by telling yourself that “someday” you will get around to it. Well, I finally realized that there’s NEVER going to be a right time to drop everything and live on a deserted island for a month, so there’s no point putting it off any longer!

It’s very important to me that I live my life in a way that I never have to wonder “What if?”. The last thing I want is to sit there in my rocking chair at 80 years old and WISH that I applied for Survivor, quit my job to travel, or started my own business. Now I can at least say I’ve done all three!

Is anyone else here weirdly obsessed with Survivor? Let me know!

KITTEN PARTAAAY!

I Hosted a Kitten Party!

A few days before I had to give my kittens back to Jack’s Cat Cafe, I decided to host a Kitten Party to see if I could get them adopted. I took them all to the Hub Hoi An coworking space so that people could meet them!

While I didn’t succeed in getting them adopted, I did at least have a great time while telling everyone about what Jack’s Cat Cafe and Vietnam Cat Welfare are doing in Hoi An! I also MIGHT have found someone who is interested in adopting (I’ll keep you posted!).

my little babies!

Challenges

Not everything this month was perfect. Here were the downsides!

Giving My Kittens Back to Jack’s Cat Cafe

Obviously, I was NOT excited to give my babies back to Jack’s Cat Cafe. Now many people have been wondering why I had to give them back, so I figured I’d quickly explain how it works.

Basically, until the kittens can be fully vaccinated, they have to live in cages or stay in the homes of the volunteers because they can’t mix with the other cats. In order to create room for new rescues, Jack’s tries to find fosters to take them while we wait for them to be old enough to get their vaccines.

Once they’re fully vaccinated, we bring them back to the cafe so A) we can take a new batch of kittens out of the cages and B) the vaccinated kittens can get used to being around so many other cats while they’re still young.

While dropping off Rory, Beanie and Lady was extremely hard, it was good to visit them a week later when we picked up our new kittens. All three were doing great, and Beanie was actually sitting in a guest’s lap! They all seemed to be having fun playing with the other teenage kittens and interacting with guests.

It did break my heart when they followed Chris and I to the gate as we left. Noooooo!

(If you’re curious to learn more, I wrote an entire post on Vietnam’s stray cats, the cat meat trade, and how you can help!

Having dinner after a long day of work with my fellow Hub members!

Putting Too Much On My Plate

This month was pretty intense work-wise. I ended up taking on way too many extra projects and it almost killed me! Last month I was a little worried about finances (especially with the wedding coming up), so I decided to apply to a few freelancing gigs. At the same time, I was also approached by a few people wanting me to write about teaching abroad and my online course!

Well, all of these things all piled on top of one another until I was two seconds away from a breakdown. The situation made me realize that while yes, money is important, I also need to leave enough time to focus on my blog and online course.

I ended up leaving one of the long-term projects early, which I still feel really guilty about. However, it definitely wasn’t the right fit for me.

I also decided to start recording videos for a new Youtube Channel (yay!!), because when you’re busy, why not add more things to make you even busier?

Before they removed the extra fabric from the bust

After they took out the extra fabric… still not great

Bridesmaid’s Dress Tailoring Catastrophe

Long story short, the bridesmaids’ dresses I was super excited about last month came back and… they were not cute. While I love the color, the fabric is just WRONG for the look I was going for. While I tried to make it work (especially since I paid a 50% deposit), I knew pretty much immediately that this fabric was just not the right choice.

When you’re getting your stuff tailored in Vietnam please do your research. I went with a tailor that was recommended to me by a few people, but she honestly cared more about the sale than actually making sure the dress looked good.

The type of convertible infinity dress I wanted needs stretchy fabric, and the fabric we chose was not stretchy at all. Because of this, it didn’t conform to my body and literally added 15 lbs to me in photos.

I have a friend in Hoi An who was a professional designer and made custom wedding dresses, so I asked her to come with me to my fitting. She was PISSED at the tailor. Not only was the fabric wrong. she also created unnecessary seams to save on fabric and a bunched elastic waist that was not flattering.

When Chris’ mom (who sews kids clothes professionally) also told me to scrap the dress, I knew I had to do it. While the dresses aren’t AWFUL, they’re not easy breezy, comfortable, or flattering. Also, I shared the photos of the dress in a wedding planning Facebook group and a bunch of people told me my boobs looked like a ballsack so…

In the end, we decided to scrap them and go for a slightly more expensive but 1,000X better version online. I’m in negotiations with the tailor now to figure out if I can at least take one or two of the bridesmaid’s dresses and turn it into some sort of cocktail dress for myself so I’m not just out $150. Wish me luck.

At least it looks pretty?

Meal Prepping for Dummies

Why did I pick the busiest month of my life to try and figure out how to meal prep. I mean… I’ve been kind of meal prepping things here and there (making larger dinners so I have leftovers and pre-cooking chicken in batches), but I went all out for a week this month.

For an entire week, I made my menu in advance, planned what I would eat for every meal and ordered in bulk. Of course, the chicken I ordered arrived and was BAD, which screwed everything up. I also didn’t take into account the lack of preservatives here (which is probably a good thing?), so half the food I ordered started wilting and going bad as well.

Who knew carrots in Vietnam literally become bendy rubber after two days? I guess I’ll just have to go grocery shopping every other day if I want to make cooking all my meals a priority.

If anyone has some suggestions or advice on meal prepping, please send them to me!

Working away at the Hub Hoi An

What I Wrote in May

This month I created the Ultimate Guide to Hiking China’s Great Wall! After hiking NINE different sections of the Great Wall (some more than once), I figured it was finally time for me to create the ultimate resource with all the awesome sections in one place. Some are officially open to tourists, whereas others are Wild Wall sections that require sneaking on by climbing a ladder!

In addition to my Great Wall Ultimate Guide, I also created an Ultimate teach abroad guide for my friend Jeremy from TravelFreak: Everything You Should Know Before Teaching English in China! If you’re looking to teach abroad, definitely check out that post, and grab my free guide: 10 Steps to Landing a High Paying Job in China!

Ultimate Guide to Hiking China’s Great Wall: How to Get Off the Beaten Path and Avoid the Crowds

The Freedom Life: May 2019

Everything You Should Know Before Teaching English in China (TravelFreak Guest Post)

Best Instagram Shots

I LOVE this section of the Great Wall (which you can read more about in my new Great Wall guide… hint hint)! Also, I had a great time teaching that Masterclass. If you missed it, be sure to sign up for my next one!

  View this post on Instagram

  Last chance to sign up for the free masterclass training this Saturday: How to land a high paying job in China (that’s not a scam)!! – link in bio ☺️ ☀️ I honestly can’t wait for this super intensive training where I’ll walk you step by step though how to find and land the best jobs in China!! ☀️ If you’re at all thinking about arriving to China in the next year, you have to get on this! See you there!! 🌸

A post shared by Richelle (@adventuresaroundasia) on Jun 7, 2019 at 11:08am PDT

The story of tying the prayer flags for a woman in Tibet is one that originally took me a long time to share, mainly because it brought up a lot of emotions that are hard to write about (guilt, shame, feeling privileged). If you want to read the entire story, you can find it here.

  View this post on Instagram

  A few years ago a woman with terminal brain cancer asked me to hang prayer flags for her in Tibet because she had always wanted to go but never had the chance. The experience of hanging the flags was a very emotional one, and kept in contact with her for a few months until she eventually passed away. Sometimes I forget to appreciate how lucky I am to be healthy and able bodied. I get caught up in focusing about what’s wrong with my body (I need to lose weight, I’m not in good enough shape, I don’t look good in this outfit) than thanking it for allowing me to do the things I want to do. Whenever I see this picture I’m reminded of that incredibly humbling moment, and I remember not to take my life of travel and adventure for granted. Do you have a meaningful story from your travels or life in general? Feel free to share in a comment 🌸

A post shared by Richelle (@adventuresaroundasia) on Jun 23, 2019 at 8:40am PDT

Travel Product I Can’t Live Without

I really loved my BeFree Filtered water bottle on my last trip to Chiang Mai! My parents originally brought these when they visited me in Vietnam and I was OBSESSED.

Not only is it great to have a filtered water bottle so you can drink tap water while traveling, but I also love how this bottle folds up to take up almost no space in your bag. It’s a lifesaver when you’re already carrying a heavy purse and DSLR.

Now I’m never, ever tempted to buy plastic water bottles!

LOOK AT MY CUTE FACE

What I’m Watching: The Democratic Debates!

I was able to find both Night 1 and Night 2 of the Democratic Debates on Youtube. Yay!! Honestly, I can not tell you how refreshing it was to watch adults debate and discuss politics rationally by using facts and policy plans.

I loved watching them debate whether we should abolish private healthcare for a single-payer healthcare plan, or just provide a “Medicare for all plan” in addition to private insurance. I also loved watching them discuss what exactly to do about immigration and migrants, rather than trying to convince us that the migrant… excuse me, CONCENTRATION CAMPS, are perfectly cushy while people are literally dying there.

I’m honestly really excited to see who comes out on top. While I do have a few favorites, I’d pretty much vote for any one of them over Trump at this point…

Water in the rice fields is SO PRETTY RIGHT NOW

Best Reads of June

Here are my favorite blog posts from the month of June!

Why You Should Travel to Bhutan – Oneika the Traveler

I’ve been dying to visit Bhutan for a while now, and I love this intensive guide!

Someone Tried to Break Into My Hotel Room While I Was Traveling Solo – Be My Travel Muse

I love how this post is a good reminder to keep yourself safe, while also not focusing on fear mongering (like many of these posts do). Here’s how you can protect yourself while still enjoying your solo trip!

My 13 Most Ridiculous Hostel Experiences – Neverending Footsteps

I love hostels. They’re a great way to meet people (especially when traveling solo) and you always end up with some crazy stories!

The Future of Hippie in Heels – Hippie in Heels

As many of you may know, Rachel from Hippie in Heels passed away in May. It was an incredibly sad time for many of us in the travel blogging community, so it’s nice to get an update from her family about her legacy and all of the amazing posts she’d written that will now be published for everyone to see.

That’s my brother on the keyboard!

What’s Next For July 2019?

This month I’ll probably be spending the whole month in Hoi An, Vietnam, however, there’s a possibility I may fly to either Seoul or Kuala Lumpur to see my brother perform with Sabrina Claudio (he’s in her band and has produced some of her songs) at one of the music festivals on their Asia tour! I’ve actually never seen them perform live before (seriously, I missed them performing Coachella), so I really hope I can make it work!

The Freedom Life: June 2019 This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure for more info.  After five years of living in China, and two years of 

[blog-optimisticcoffeestuden-blog]

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I'm a successful part time entrepreneur in California, but I maintain my day job because of the group health insurance they offer. I'd like to cut the apron string and go out completely on my own, but the insurance situation holds these plans hostage. I don't want to buy private health insurance, I would like to structure my one man business so that I can easily purchase group health insurance for myself and family. I'd like to purchase group insurance as opposed to private insurance so that I don't have to deal with preexisting conditions and riders, etc. Since I'm still a sole proprietor, I have plenty of leeway in regards to business structure, and I'm willing to change whatever is necessary to get the best deal possible. How can I get health insurance for myself and family and pay for it as business expense without employees?""

Why did Democrats call their health insurance scheme the Affordable Care Act?

When in reality its making it more expensive for the middle class?

How much will insurance cost for a 16 year old on a Mustang GT?

I work and I wanted to know how much will it cost we are currently on progressive insurance.

What is the average cost of hormone replacement therapy with and without insurance?

I've fianally decided to begin my transition (male-to-female) and i wanted to know what it would cost to begin HRT. I ask for both with and without insurance because i have a college based insurance plan (SHIP) and i am not sure if it will cover HRT (it covers gender identity counseling so IDK) Thank you all in advance ~<3 P.S. i live in Moscow, Idaho.""

My uncle bought a school bus and I'm wondering how much insurance is gonna cost him.?

My uncle bought a school bus and I'm wondering how much insurance is gonna cost him.?

Looking for Dowa Insurance?

Also looking for for a Mrs.Mary Blair of Dowa Insurance

Are States legally allowed to require car insurance?

Can the State legally mandate that citizens buy insurance from consumer agencies that have little to no regulation of price and guaranteed service? Can we consider this question with these items. item 1: Premium rates are as high as the industry chooses to set them item 2: Insurance companies are not required to provide to low income families (as are utilities, and other necessity services) item 3: Insurance companies only pay a small percentage (20%) of claims, and only 6% without judication.""

What to do when health insurance company won't cover surgery?

We just recently got health insurance a few weeks ago. My husband was diagnosed with a double inguinal hernia yesterday and is scheduled for surgery Friday. Our insurance company will not cover the surgery., They said that hernia surgery has a 6 month waiting period and he can not wait another week let alone 6 months. They will only cover it if it is a life or death situation.I could take him back out to the ER, but who's to say that they will say that it is an emergency and do it within 24 hours? I put a call in to the financial aid counselor to see about getting help with the surgery bill, although we are most likely going to be unable to pay big amounts of money. Is there any insurance companies we can sign up for in order to have health insurance and be able to have him get the surgery by Friday? Or is there anything else we can do? We are not eligible for MDCD, already tried that!! Please help with any suggestions.""

Can I cancel my car insurance?

Right now I have my permit and want to get my license but I go to a boarding school so I only need my license for the summer. Is there a way I can get car insurance for only the summer and then cancel it before I go to school? And if there is, will that have an effect on my license? Will I have to redue the entire driving test again?""

Comparing insurance rates?

Hello, I am looking for a site that allows me to compare different insurance rate quotes based on the information I provide.""

Bussiness insurance?

need to know what type of insurance i need to open a carpet cleaning and window cleaning service.

I had no car insurance.....?

and my husband was in an accident.. His fault, he rear-ended her. We payed he deductible, and now her insurance company is trying to come after us for the damages. Can they do this? I thought that was why they paid for insurance. If I would have had insurance, they would have only paid her deductible. I also got a signed statement from the other vehicle owner accepting the money for the deductible and settlement.""

Car insurance america?

I'm thinking of going to America for six months and want to buy a car to get about, but insurance is expensive could I get a resident of America to put me on there insurance then insure themselves on the car I just bought. Is this possible? If not any suggestions would be amazing thanks I'm from UK and 22""

""Looking for cheap life insurance, any suggestions?

I've heard alot of insurance companies are a rip off. I'm looking for dependable but affordible.

Cheapest insurance for a 05 ford mustang?

am 19year old and have my licenses for 2 years. a also financing the car.

Whats the cheapest motorcycle insurance for me?

Im 18 i live in upstate New York. its my first street bike. I ride motocross and i have a 450f (if that makes any differance) im looking to get a crotch rocket (gsxr 1000) I heard progressive is the cheapest. How much?

Health Insurance Ques?

Because he's a full time student, I can carry my son under my health insurance plan until he's 23. The problem is he'll be a full time undergrad until a few months shy of his 24th birthday. He works, but only part time so insurance isn't really an option at his place of work. It would be a bit much to go to school FT and also work FT. Any ideas? Don't want to go w/o insurance.""

Is HSA health insurance plan best for my situation?

I'm a 43-year-old very healthy woman who doesn't smoke. My children are on Oregon Health plan and my husband has several health problems and is on permanent disability and medicare. So..I don't qualify for Oregon health plan and we cannot afford most health insurance plans. So....I was thinking an HSA might be good for me since I have no health issues. To clarify, I am not interested in adding my children or husband to this. Just for myself...as they are already covered just fine. Wondering what the average cost per month is and wondering if it matters what credit score you have...because mine is very low currenty due to my husband's medical bills hurting our finances a few years back. Thank you!""

Any advice on GAP Insurance?

Just signed up to buy new SMART car with Mercedes dealer on 1,000 deposit then 111 a month for 3 yrs with option to buy car for balance at end or hand car back. Finance guy has advised me to buy GAP insurance cost 300 for 3 years. (This is on top of normal insurance) Has anybody had any dealings with this or can they advise please? I would appreciate serious replies only THANKS A LOT""

Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers in Florida?

I live in Orlando FL and I'm looking for some cheap insurance, is there any companies that are known for cheap insurance and good service? Thanks.""

What do all these terms for insurance mean?

So I'm in need for a dental plan because I've decided to fix my horrible misaligned bite. But I have no idea what all these insurance terms mean. Like deductibles, coinsurance,waiting period, etc http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/ehi/dt/plan-details?planKey=10116300:16 ^Here is a link for example. 40% Coinsurance after deductible 18 months waiting period < Can someone just give me a coverage on how insurance works. Thank you""

I want to buy a Mazda RX8 with 69xxxx miles. is it a good car and how much does insurance cost for these cars?

How come i don't see many of these cars around?

Which insurance company is father of reinsurer?

i need to know the answer for my interview in an insurance company. also which company is biggest insurance company in world.

Fair price for my car insurance?

Got my car insurance bill. I'm on a family plan with my mom and my sister. We did it because we were told it would save money. I'm in my late 20's, drive an older car(a '97), have never had a traffic ticket or accident, and have the basic coverage with a $500 deductible. Just the basics. It's $350 for 6 months. It went up from the last time I paid it. First, is that a decent price? Second, why does the insurance go up if I didn't get a ticket or accident?""

Elkin North Carolina Cheap car insurance quotes zip 28621

Elkin North Carolina Cheap car insurance quotes zip 28621

Cheap car insurance in Arizona for an 18 year old with a volkswagon beetle?

i really want a volkswagon beetle, and then one im looking at right now is a 2006 with 70,000 miles (i know, its alot but thats not what im asking you to answer on) and its a convertible. i've never had my own car, and right now im using a family member's. i dont have ANY credit, idk if that helps or not... i already know my car payments are going to be high, so i want cheap insurance, that will still cover me. i see commercials for The General and Freeway Insurance, along with Safeauto. are they good companies? i kind of checked out The General, and it wasnt as cheap as i thought it was going to be... help?!""

Driving parent's car without insurance?

*I'm 16 with a license *My mom has insurance under Liberty Mutual *I am not on her insurance but the car is insured *I live in Georgia (GA has weird laws so any laws specific to GA would be great)

How much will I have to for car insurance?

I'm 19 and I just got my permit. So in 6 months I will have my license. By then, I will have car. Which insurance will be cheapest and how much would I have to pay a month? I know nobody can put an exact price on it, but maybe an estimation?""

""Car accident, no insurance?!!!!?""

A high school kid hit my car today, I was at a stop sign and he turned too early and hit my car. I do not have insurance(welp I know, I'm a single mother we can't afford it all). Anyway, he did have insurance and he was at fault. Will his insurance cover the cost to fix my car or no? Since I didn't have insurance and all that is?""

Are there any crotch rockets or street bikes in which i could get cheap insurance for?

Are there any crotch rockets or street bikes in which i could get cheap insurance for?

Staying in California for 2 months. Is it worth it to get a motorcycle?

I'm from Indiana, am over 21, and have a valid Indiana drivers license. I'm going to be staying in California for 6-8 weeks and would like some sort of transportation. I'm considering buying a motorcycle or scooter but am not sure if it will be worth it considering the hassle of registration, insurance, etc. Then I would sell it again before I go back to Indiana. My brother has offered to give me motorcycle lessons before I leave and I could get my Motorcycle learner's permit from the local BMV. Does anyone have experience with titles, registrations, insurance etc and could tell me if it would be worth the hassle?""

A few questions about insurance and motorcycles in general.?

-A friend has an old 600cc Harley in his garage from 1980's I believe. He says that it could be repaired with a little TLC. How much would it cost to insure it for an 18 year old with a clean driving record and a fresh motorcycle liscense? -How much

Where can I find a comparative of insurance quotes for comercial stable insurance?

I need property coverage, an umbrella plan, summer camp coverage, equestrian activity insurance.""

Does it matter who drives which car under the same insurance policy?

I have an 08 Toyota Corolla S and my dad has a 95 Toyota Pickup. I'm 19 and we're under the same policy with AAA. Would it make a difference in cost if they put me as the driver of the Corolla as opposed to the Pickup? If so about how much? Currently I'm with the Pickup and my dad's with the Corolla.

Car insurance claim but no MOT?

my partner had a crash today and it was totally the other persons fault as my parter was indicating to turn right and some idiot tried to overtake him on the right , hitting his side. the police said not probs its totally the other persons fault and we claim off his insurance not ours but when the police checked the car they discoved the mot ran out a month ago, my partner explained we though we had updated it and they were fine about , prob believed us as we had tax and insurance, they dont worry just tell your insurance about the crash. i know car insurance is not vaild but surely its okay if its only the other person paying out? car in the garage and does not seem to be any probs so far......do you think we will be ok, it really was a genuine over sight""

Around how much would car insurance be if im under 21?

Like if i go under my parents insurance, how much more would it be? Thanks :)""

How much would insurance cost for a 16 yr old female?

I'm 16 & getting a 2010 Nissan Maxima. Don't tell me not to get it because I'll wreck or trash it. I learned how to drive when I was 12 and I drove all the time when I got my permit. I'm not going to trash it at all. All I need to know if how much insurance might be. A rough estimate because I know everywhere is different. Some few details: I'm 16, a female, straight A student, and really responsible. Thanks.""

Why Are We Not Reducing Health Care Costs?

The U.S. currently spends 50% more per capita on health care than the next western nation (Norway). On average we spend twice as much as France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Canada, and Switzerland. Our costs are increasing faster than these nations. According to the Congressional Budget Office the cost of Obamacare is an additionsl $1.76 trillion over ten years. For those who want to actually solve the universal health care problem, how about adopting one of the European plans noted above and cut our costs by 50%. Why the blind devotion to a bureauratic morass that will bankrupt the country? http://www.kff.org/insurance/snapshot/oecd042111.cfm""

Cheapest auto insurance in Florida??

Just moved and need some ideas for shopping around for the cheapest auto insurance in Florida.

Does anyone know the best way to get insurance leads?

i'm looking for a way to get insurance leads, I would rather own software myself as appose to paying for an individual leads, can anyone tell me the name of a some good software? thanks in advance!""

Car Insurance for a 19 yr old male?

I'm going to be buying an black 03 Cadillac CTS and I was wondering about how much my insurance would be. I've been driving since I was 16 with no tickets or wrecks. Can anyone give me at least an estimate on what it might cost? I will be using it mostly to drive back and fourth to work.

""What are the insurance range for a CBR600RR, beginner drive with 5 years of ecxcellent SUV driving expereinces

I live in So. Cal and want to purchase the CBR600RR (06-08 model) how much insurance should I expect to pay for this car?

Can a tourist in california could get a health insurance in this state?

i'm a tourist here and 2 months pregnant i'm planning to give birth here in california.

Is there any free dental insurance in CA?

Is there any free dental insurance in CA?

Car insurance?

Ok so i just passed my driving test so now im gonna get a car soon, what car insurance is the best for someone whos my age (21)?""

""If you have Amica car insurance, how much does 1 speeding ticket cost you?""

I live in Massachusetts. Have a perfect driving record but now I'm charged with 1 speeding ticket. How much more in insurance premiums will it cost me if I plead guilty? It's a regular speeding ticket, not DUI or wreckless driving. THanks""

400 dollars a month for car insurance that is CRAZY?!?

I went on a website that gives you a free estimated quote for how much insurance would cost, I completed drivers ED and it is still about 400 monthly or 5000 yearly for an old crappy car! My dad called his insurance company to add me on to his truck and that is 80 monthly or 1000 yearly but he is never home so it would be pointless to get added on to him. I need a car to get to a from work since I live 20 minutes out of town. How do they expect young drivers to afford that? What did you pay when you first got your license? I'm female & 17""

What kind of car for cheapest insurance?

I'm 23

Cheap car insurance for 20 year old?

im new to this im 20 getting my license in ont canada and need insurance i am very cheap will be buying a car 500-700$ and want the cheapest insurance possable il fix my own car if its possible i just want to be legal cause insurance is ridiculous ty everyone

How much does insurance cost and hoe much does licencse/registration cost?

plz hurry and answer

Elkin North Carolina Cheap car insurance quotes zip 28621

Elkin North Carolina Cheap car insurance quotes zip 28621

Can I sue an insurance company if?

If the insurance company is putting stress on me and with holding information from me.It was their client who hit my vehicle he was cited a ticket. for being left of center he was flying down the road in a double yellow zone traffic was stopped 2 lanes and he had to go around them in order to hit me.He has a witness and he and his so called witness are saying that I pulled out of a lot that I was never in.Lucky for me I kept my proff of purchase.and they even have me on camera with the traffic stopped.Anyway his insurance company is treating me like I am a criminal and will not tell me anything.Which in turn is really stressing me out.So can I sue if I want to .I did try to be nice but his agent really makes me angry and stresses me out.I am just wore out from dealing with her.

""I have AETNA insurance full coverage, and my hospital bill is $42,519, will my insurance pay all of it???""

i was in a sever car accident, lost control hit a tree. and my hospital bill is $42,519, for only 5 days in the hospital. No broken bones, no surgies. i only had a minor head concussion, and a few bruises. i have AETNA full coverage insurance and i am a full time college student. now will aetna pay all of the hospital bills..or do i have to pay some. im really confused.""

On an application for car insurance does having the use of other vehicles increase or decrease the quote?

I'm filling in an insurance comparison and it asks if I have the use of other vehicles, I can drive my dad's but does it make it more or less expensive?""

Who is the cheapest auto insurance?

who is the cheapest auto insurance for adult male driver in southern cal. last ticket was about 7 years ago. thx

Can I my Dad's car without being on his insurance?

I am a 17yr old student living with my parents and i have just passed my driving test. Everyone keeps saying i can drive my Dad's car once he is in the passenger seat, but i am not sure. My dad has insurance on his car, but i am not a named driver. So can i drive my dad's car if he his in the passenger seat, without being named on his policy.""

How much will a speedping ticket raise my car insurance in California?

Hi, Last night I got my first speeding ticket ever. I am a 18 year old male. The officer claims I was going 84 but I dont believe him because he said he lasered me at 1am and usually I am under 80mph. Anyways, If I go to court and do drivers school and remove this ticket, what will happen to my insurance rate? I have all state.""

What value car would you recommend Comprehensive insurance?

What value car would you recommend moving from Third Party Fire + Theft insurance to Comprehensive Insurance?

How much would car insurance cost for a 17 year old female? More info provided?

I will be 17 yrs old when I get my intermediate license, which I will then have for 1 yr before I can get my full license. I'm looking for a general insurance quote for a 17 year old female in Iowa (does this have any bearing on the amt my parents pay). Also, I have about B average, but I'm taking AP classes if that makes a difference. I don't have a job but I will have an unpaid internship this summer (does this make a difference?). Both my mom and dad have one ticket each, but that's about it, they're both very careful drivers. I will also have taken a drivers ed course (reqd in my state). I'm also looking at purchasing either a 1998 BMW 528I or a 1998 BMW 740IL as both are under $5000 w/o taxes but if anyone can give me an estimate as to the total cost of both of these cars (after taxes, gas, insurance, etc) that would be fantastic. If any more info is needed let me know.""

Car insurance question....?

I had full coverage on my 01 honda civic coupe. Fixed up but i know insurance wont give a rats. ***. My question is, if it is totaled and my car had full coverage. How much would i get from them? i tried going to kelly blue book. But i don't know if insurance goes by retail, or dealer quote or what... If u can answer give u all the pnts for best answer.""

Wife was rear ended and i have no insurance we live in illinois and car insurance is required?

My wife was on her way home from work and was stoped at a stoplight when a car hit her from behind and we have no insurance but witness reports say the other lady is at fault will my truck be fixed by her insurance

""What is the best learner motorcycle, cheap on insurance and good quality?""

I am looking to learn how to ride a motorcycle and am looking for a bike that is easy to learn, cheap to run, cheap on insurance and a good ride. Are older bikes cheaper? Are some brands better on insurance than others? Thanks.""

""Roughly, How much do you think my car insurance will cost?""

I'm getting my license when I turn 18 in may, I'm prob. gonna have a honda, or an ultima.. i live in raleigh. nc that is.. this will be my first time getting my license.. i work at walmart(if that matters) make 9.00 and hour.. i didn't take drivers ed i never had a permit.. how much do you think it's gonna cost me??.. and also.. would it be cheaper if i get on my moms insurance???""

I'm 21 years old and i work full time&i live at home with my parents&im pregnant what benefits do i get?

I'm 21 years old and i work full time&i live at home with my parents&im pregnant what benefits do i get?

Life insurance question?

lets say i want ten policy's worth 750,000 each why would this be a problem as long as u had the money to pay the Premium and you tell each company the truth.....""

CAR INSURANCE - how can I insure my car in a California so my son can drive it even though I live in Florida ?

PROBLEM I own a car that my son drives. He lives in California and will have a California drivers liscense there. I live in Florida. what do I do. The car obviouslyt is in California as well.

Affordable insurance w/ NO deductible and low premium?

I need you to tell me names of insurance not quote sites cuz they don't help. i need one for 2 ppl a mom and daughter. it shouldnt have a deductable or be more that 200 monthly.

Please explain what comprehensive car insurance means.?

Please explain what comprehensive car insurance means.?

I bought a car with no tax road and no mot and no insurance.?

hi there. iam one of the unlucky driver in london , i have bought car from acution few days a ago and i was driving it from biritsh car acution to garage where my mechanic can have look at it. i was in my way to garage and some one carshed in my car, police where there and i asked for my info and i give it to them, i have said everything as i am saying it to u guys. i just bought car didnt have time for insurance and mot and tax road im in my way to mot station where i can get one, and they toke my info and drive off. as i have been moved from my perviuos address i didnt got any letter from them which i meant to be in court, now i have other letter which shows i have to be in court by 27 march, i just wana know, what will happen and im i gona get any points and how much fine?? is there any prison for it ,, please help me is so important ,this matter is playing with my life at the moment ?""

Car insurance... Who are you insure with/best quotes. Will choose quick best answer.?

Who is the cheapest insurance company o go with for a 20 year old male whom has been driving for 3 years. Getting insure on a mazda 6. Thank you

Why is car insurance for girls cheaper than for guys??

funny.. Each time i notice a careless/reckless driver, its a female.""

How much should i expect to pay for car insurance?

im 20/ male/ new driver/ will be driving a used, regular, good condition, non-sport-car sedan, or something of like/ and in los angeles ca thanks""

How much will health insurance costs rise in your state?

Our attorney general says Ohio's will be over 80%.

Insurance for seized cars..?

Okay my Boyf was driving his dads car to mine and thought he could use it under third party. He's only driving it cos his da is on holiday an he needs to drive it around. Anyway on the way over he got pulled over by the cops and they found out he wasn't insured. Therefore they seized his car. But after phoning up the insurance company he found out the car itself wasn't insured and his dads insurance expired a few months ago. Therefor the car is in the compound with no insurance and his current insurance company won't let him insure the car for anyone if it's been seized. But to get the car out, they need valid insurance to retrieve the car. So what can he do?""

Health insurance for someone under 25 in Georgia?

I was told today that there is a new law in GA that states that if you are under 25 (whether a full- time student or not), that you can stay under your parents insurance. Is this true? If so, when does it take effect?""

Finding information about monthly payments?

I am currently looking to move out of my parents house and get an apartment with a friend of mine that is 45 mins away from my hometown. I am a sophmore in college and I would like to have the experience of living on my own for a couple years near my parents before I move thousands of miles away after college for my career plans. Now I am looking into my costs and spendings on living on my own. But the problem is I really don't want to talk to my parents about this until I get it all planned out. But I need to find out how much my car insurance, health insurance, life insurance, car payments (if there is still any), cellphone bill...and other expenses that I need to find out on a monthly basis to get an idea of what it will cost for me to live on my own because my parents pay majority of everything for me and I just been working and saving money for this opportunity to live on my own with a roommate or two or three (maybe). How can I find out this information when the expenses are not in my name but in my parents name? And without my parents finding out that I am looking at all this? Thank you!""

Elkin North Carolina Cheap car insurance quotes zip 28621

Elkin North Carolina Cheap car insurance quotes zip 28621

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/insurance-quote-estimate-joseph-cole/"

[optimisticpoetrypost-blog]

What’s a reasonable price I should pay a car mechanic for an alarm certificate for insurance purposes?

"What's a reasonable price I should pay a car mechanic for an alarm certificate for insurance purposes?

UK question My car insurance company requires written evidence from a car garage that my car has a factory fitted alarm. How much should I pay them for this?

BEST ANSWER:  Try this site where you can compare quotes: : http://freeautoinsurance.xyz/index.html?src=tumblr 

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What will insurance premiums be?

I had heard that with the new Obama healthcare system if you have to purchase health insurance on your own your premiums will be based on your income. Is this true? thanks

What is the difference between life insurance and health insurance?

What is the difference between life insurance and health insurance?

How much is a doctor visit without insurance?

My friend hasn't been feeling well for a few days now and needs to see a doctor. Does anyone know how much a doctor visit would be if she went to a walk in clinic? She doesn't have any insurance. By the way we live in Miami, Fl.""

What car insurance co. should I go with?

Can anyone offer suggestions for a company easy to, and willing to work w/you? I presently do not have insurance. I am on a fixed income. Money is always an issue. I need low rates. My car is old so I only need minimum. Was with SafeAuto -- OK, but not thrilled with them. Are there others out there legitimate and with good reputation? Pls remember, I cannot afford a lot. My inspection is coming up. Many many thanks!""

Cheap insurance?

cheap insurance

""If your auto insurance expires today, do you get a grace period?""

If so, how long is the grace period?""

Where can a 16 year old male get his own auto insurance if he is the only licensed driver in the house?

Where can a 16 year old male get his own auto insurance if he is the only licensed driver in the house?

What insurance companies do cheap van insurance for young first time drivers?

I'm 18 and have a 1.3 Vauxhall combo

How does the insurance know who's driving the car?

My dad want to buy me a car I'm 16 got my liscence a month ago. My uncle wants to sell him a 2008 Mitsubishi lancer evo. He wants to put in the insurance that I'm driving my moms car and she's driving the evo. But I'm going be the driver. Well they be able to tell I'm the driver? And we'll insurance be cheaper that way?

""Is a motorcycle cheaper than a car in terms of maintenance, fuel and insurance?""

No matter what I get, my budget most likely will be $5000. But i'm talking about other costs like maintenance, fuel and insurance. I know fuel obviously is much less than a car for motorcycles, but how about maintenance and insurance? Basically i'm a highschool student, I'll be going to college next year, its a 50 km ride one way. Public transit would take me 2 hours...so If possible, i'd like to get a car or motorcycle. I already passed my first road test, but I don't have a motorcycle licence, but I'd like to. Infact the college i'm planning on attending does motorcycle courses and licencing. I'm thinking that If I do get a bike, i'd ride it for september- early november, store it for the winter, then spring till the end of the school year. Obviously I'd ride it during the summer too! I dunno, what do you experts think? You think its a good game plan or am I just in over my head? Which should I get?""

UK car insurance question?

Cheapest car insurance for 17 year old boy, 3rd party F&T. 1. Provisional licence holder 2. Full licence holder Thank you""

Why is Esurance so cheap? Are they a good company?

I'm in NY, and apparently insurance is way more expensive here for whatever reason. Well everyone in my family has gone to Esurance to get a quote, and it's WAY cheaper there. I mean we're talking $100-200 less a month. Progressive wants $300 a month for me and my mom on the same plan... which is about the same as other quotes I've got. Esurance wants $140. I can't help but wonder if it's a big scam or something.""

Should I show the car repairman the insurance estimate?

I was in a wreck that the insurance company of the other driver agreed to pay for. They made an estimate and said they will put a check in the mail. They said that if it costs more than the estimate, then they will take care of that also as long as I show the estimate to the repairman. That seems straightforward... and on the other hand: With other car issues, auto shops have seemed to be willing to underbid each other. I wouldn't mind getting it fixed for less than the check that I'm going to receive. Should I try to get estimates that are independent of the insurance company's estimate to see if I can save money? If I then go with a shop that says they can do it for cheaper, can I trust that they won't say it will be more later?""

Will my moms car insurance go up with my permit?

i want to get my permit, my mom says no because she said her insurance will go up. she has Geico. i am a Straight A student....how much more money would she have to pay each month? p.s. a number would be great =)""

Self employed and need affordable health insurance for self and children?

Self employed and need affordable health insurance for self and children?

What is a cheap car insurance plan?

Im 19 years old and I live in New York. I am looking for an affordable car insurance plan. Any suggestions?

Moped/ motorcycle insurance in washington?

how much is insurance for it? i already have a car and car insurance. my car doesnt get great mileage. about 15-17 on the highway.12-15 city. i use to not travel a distance too much but i moved farther away from my college so i gas up once a week or every week and a half depending on if im just going to school or if im also going out. I want a scooter or motorcyle just because there fun and better on gas. im not reckless. ill be safe and drive them to minimize the risk as much as possible. MY STATE DOES NOT REQUIRE MOPED OR MOTORCYLCE INSURANCE BY LAW. Im just curious to be safe. and for me, my faith in god keeps me safe.""

How much is classic car insurance in Ontario?

Hi, I'm looking at making a car purchase for the summer. I'm looking at a couple cars, including a '72 Dodge Dart and a '69 (?) Chevy Nova. I like both because they are, a) under $2000 dollars, b) are both in need of some TLC, and c) I've heard that classic car insurance CAN be cheaper than regular insurance. I'm 20 with a perfect driving record and a full G-license, but I know that doesn't usually matter to insurance companies. Any advice? I'd be buying for a daily driver, so is it even worth the effort despite the serious increase in cool-factor?""

Is motorcycle insurance expensive for beginners?

Is motorcycle insurance expensive for beginners?

Insurance question (rates)?

if i get into a fender bender in a van for work will it make my insurance rate go up? the cops didnt get my insurance, only my bosses""

Can I take out a separate insurance policy on my parents car?

My parents use Direct line as their insurance provider on their car. I looked into how much the insurance would be for me (an 18 year old female) once I pass my test which worked out quite expensive. However I looked at a few other providers and found some cheaper quotes for myself. As my parents are with Direct line can I have my own insurance with another provider for the same car? (If that makes sense) Thanks in advance.

Where is the best website to compare pco insurance prices?

fully comprehensive i would like a quote straight away. some websites you give all the details and it says that the company will contact the person regarding the quote. i want to compare mini cab insurance not taxi insurance. thank you so much in advance. :)

Car insurance claim Question?

Okay, so here is the story. i was in a private McDonald's car park when the was car meet event, nothing official boy racers if your wish, the car parks were full to the brim with cars parked all over the place, with hardly any lighting at 10 o clock as night, visibility wasn't at its best. i was stuck in a Que of traffic trying to get out of the car park, when the car in front started reversing for what ever reason, so i put my car into reverse, had a glance in the rear view mirror which really was no help because of the poor lighting. I let my foot of the brake as the car in front stated reversing an with in milliseconds i herd people shouting, so i stopped and got out, there was a car right behind me must have on been cm away, with a massive dent in the drivers door. although i didn't even feel a thing i quickly apologised and began to sort the problem. i have no clue whether the driver had his lights on or not. i suspected that i couldn't have done it because i had barely moved and there was no damage to my car what so ever. Although this being my first accident i was nerves so took responsibility. We both decided to sort it out between our selves, i didn't want my insurance to go up as it is high enough already as a young driver, he said he would need a new door and i agreed due to the size of the dent, so he found one on eBay for 150 and would take nothing but that as i only had 100 in the bank at the time we drove to the cash machine he took the 100 and we agreed that i would pay him the other 50 in two weeks when i got paid, i writ a receipt to say that i had paid him this money and there was a following 50 to come, with his signature and address phone number ext... two weeks later herd nothing although i kept the money aside for a couple more weeks just in case, but still herd nothing after over a month he texts me asking for the 50 which i no longer have, i explain to him that he has left if for over month and now expects it instantly. Now he says he is going to put in an insurance claim, which i cant no see happening due to 2 reasons 1. he has already tried to sort it him self and failed to because of a fault of his own 2. because he was on a private car park at an illegal car meet Am i right? or is there anything i should do or know about this situation. Thank you.""

I'm 17 and looking to buy a toyota supra 1993 model.do you know any cheap insurance companies UK only?

I'm 17 and looking to buy a toyota supra 1993 model.do you know any cheap insurance companies UK only?

Florida car insurance inquiry?

I'm 16 years old and going to be 17 in a week and a half. Tomorrow I am eligible to obtain my Florida's driver license (as I will have had my learner's permit for a year tomorrow). My mom objects to me obtaining my license because I do not have a job and therefore will be unable to help pay for insurance. However, my dad just brought to my attention that I only need to pay for car insurance if I own my car (which at the moment my mom and I would be sharing a car). Which of this true? Do I have to pay for any type of insurance once getting my driver's license? I am out of a job, (but still looking) but want to be able to drive this summer so I'm not stuck inside. How does this all work?""

What's a reasonable price I should pay a car mechanic for an alarm certificate for insurance purposes?

UK question My car insurance company requires written evidence from a car garage that my car has a factory fitted alarm. How much should I pay them for this?

""New car, no insurance what happens?""

I bought a car in June last year, I paid the down payment, and make the monthly car payment. My mom consigned and pays insurance. I just got alerted saying I haven't had insurance since October 2013. What can happen, can they come and repo my car?""

How much will my liberty insurance go up?

i'm 17, have had my ma junior operators license for 10 months. i was driving home, when in a thickly settled area i saw a motorcycle getting ready to pull off the sidewalk, i was keeping an eye on him to make sure he wasnt going to pull out into my lane, when i looked up and saw that the car in front of me had come to a dead stop, at a greenlight, bc a pedestrian had taken a step into the crosswalk. my vehicle hit the one in front of me, which pushed into the one in front of him. Pretty bad damage, speed was around 25-30mph. Right now i'm listed as an occasional operator on my dad's insurance (clean record). Its liberty mutual, just curious how much itll increase per year since im young. i wasn't cited, no injuries.""

How much car will insurance cost for me?? please help?

becoming a new driver and driving a 1982 corvette with a v-8 how much would the car insurance cost, will it be higher because the car is costly but also cheaper because its not a big vehicle and cannot do as much damage ?""

What should I be looking for in coverage with car insurance?

I'm 22, just graduated from college and am just about to get my car put in my name and on my own insurance (was paying my parents for car insurance in my dads name before). I am curious on what exactly I should be looking for as far as deductibles and liabilities go to get a cheaper-ish rate, but yet still decent coverage? I was paying $70 a month on my parents insurance, I know I won't get that good of rate, but am wondering what decent coverage would be for a decently priced monthly rate...I was told to get a $500 deductible for collision? My car is a 1997 Honda Accord, great condition, around 130,000 miles, and I got one ticket in 2007. Any advice would be helpful! Thanks!""

When can I get my own insurance?

Im 17 Ill be 18 in june. I had chip but my mom moved states and left me with my dad and chip expired and she cant re-apply because shes not in the same state. My dad doesnt want to pay for my insurance so now Im walking around with no insurance. I have medical problems and it requires surgery but I cant get anything now. I'm supposed to go get my eyes checked but I cant because of not having insurance. I dont know what to do. None of my family wants to add me on their insurance plan because it's too expensive. My sibling is on my mom's insurance because she live with her and my brother is on my step-mom's and my dad is on his own and pays child support. Im at a loss for what to do. My dad cant apply for chip because he is tied with my stepmoms income. What do I do? Can I get my own insurance? I start college in the fall, should I get insurance from the university?""

Whats the insurance of a maserati granturismo?

i wanna buy a maserati granturismo, what would the insurance be ?""

Is car insurance cheaper for older cars?

Is car insurance cheaper for older cars?

Does MY CAR INSURANCE cover!?!?

I crashed my friends car. She has liability on her car so now she is screwed with a beat up car. I have full coverage on my car, now would I be able to use my insurance to cover her vehicle that I crashed?""

Which company offers the cheapest car insurance for a 17 year old male?

im 17 and i need insurance and wanted to know the cheapest

Which type of insurance do I have?

I have AvMed insurance through my job and I am filling out paperwork online right now and I am not sure which type to choose: Primary Secondary Supplementary Worker's Comp It says Open Access-Self Refer to Specialist at the top of my insurance card. Could someone help me out please?

Really dumb questions about car insurance?

This is my first time buying a car, and I have a question that may be kind of dumb. I live in Illinois, so it is illegal to drive a car that's uninsured. I don't have a car now, so I don't have a way of transferring insurance or whatever. - What do I do when I find a car and buy it and need to take it off the lot? I don't know what kind of car I'm getting, so I can't really get the insurance ahead of time. - If I did get pulled over for whatever reason, would the police be understanding if I just bought the car? - How quickly do insurance companies usually get you covered over the phone (particularly, Progressive)? - Do you have to pay a deposit? When? - When would my first actual payment be if I pay once every 6 months? I know these are dumb and basic, but please understand that I have never ever bought a car or gotten car insurance.""

Average motorcycle insurance rate?

I'm 16 and living in Ontario i wanted to know how much insurance rate it is do you pay monthly? yearly? i don't know submit what you know and estimate if you don't know

Health insurance question?

This question came to mind as my husband attended the annual insurance meeting at his job. The premium is going up 2011, the deductible went up, he got a 5% cut in pay last month, has not had a raise in 3 years, took away overtime and shutting down a week every couple of weeks. As if we could not pay for insurance right now hardly, when he retires in a few years he will have at least medicare but I am 9 years younger and will have nothing. Any ideas as to how to get affordable health insurance at 55 years of age. Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks""

Insurance cost in the UK?

A basic question - what is the average insurance cost for a car which falls into Group 3 category in the UK. And how is it decided which car falls into which category?

Is it wrong to TTC without having medical insurance?

We've been married for more than 3 years now, I'm 27, we just bought a house and we both have decent jobs, we feel we're ready and is a good time in our lives (even though there's never a perfect time). The insurance issue is been stopping me from before, but I don't get it from my job and is very expensive to get it through his. Everyone says I automatically get medicaid, we don't make great money but we're not poor either, do we qualify? is it irresponsible from us to start without it? Also I'm a permanent resident, husband's american...I do pay taxes!""

How much will insurance cost for a 16 year old?

im 16 years old and i wanna get a 1965 mustang and im wondering how much insurance would cost even if under my parent's plan

Cheapest car insurance for 17 year old?

Cheapest car insurance for 17 year old?

Shoul I continue paying my car insurance while waiting on a claim?

My car is total, but my insurance won't fixed it nor pay for it since i didn't have liability coverage.""

What is the most affordable life insurance in japan?

What is the most affordable life insurance in japan?

Driver doesn't have license or insurance?

My fiance sister is 19 & keeps taken their mom's car with total permission. She has a permit but not a license or insurance. What would/could she be charged with if she was pulled over or in an accident. Could his mom get in trouble too? I thought his mom had to press Grand theft auto charges for the insurance company to fix/replace the car. What happens with Grand theft auto charges?

Insurance for a (2001/Y) Peugeot 206 first time buyer (17+)?

Im soon to buy a new car, and the most recent car i have been looking at has been (2001/Y) Peugeot 206, im just interested on how much the insurance will be - noting that i am a first time car buyer aged at 17, im guerssing this will dramatically raise the price ( i am nearly 18 if that changes things) any ideas on the cost of the insurance ? :)""

What should the governments role be in healthcare?

What are you ok with the government touching, concerning your personal health care.""

What are a few cars that are cheap to insure and cheap to run for a 17 year old?

Wanting to know 4 or 5 cars that you think are ideal for a 17 year to insure and be able to run?

Does getting a quote mean that I now automatically have Insurance?

I just recently bought a car, I am 18 and I am pretty unfamiliar with how owning a car works (this is my first car). Now since I am so young I would just like to see what prices each insurance company will get me. Now my question is as soon as you accept to get a quote does that mean that they will automatically insure you. Because I want to get as many quotes as I can but just so I can make a decision between different Insurance companies, not so they can automatically insure me just because I requested a quote.""

Car Insurance Groups?

What Insurance Group would a Ford KA (02 Reg) Collection be? And also what Group would a Ford StreetKA be?

What's a reasonable price I should pay a car mechanic for an alarm certificate for insurance purposes?

UK question My car insurance company requires written evidence from a car garage that my car has a factory fitted alarm. How much should I pay them for this?

Car auto insurance and person at fault wont pay.?

My sister was driving my car and was hit but the person at fault is refusing to pay. Filed a claim with both insurance companies . My insurance company refused to pay becuase my sister is not included in the policy and the other persons insurance company refuse to pay because they claim her insurance canceled because she moved out of state a couple of days prior to accident. Whoever was handling my claim refused to help at all since My sister was not included in the policy. What do I do? The other driver admitted it was her fault and I believe it is in the claim letter i received.

Who is the most cheapest auto insurance out there?

I need auto insurance but im 18 and I only have a permit not a license yet. I drive a 1990 Honda civic hatchback ef. And i only want liability just to drive. So who is the cheapest one out there let me know thanks :D??

How much is car insurance for a 25 year old female?

How much is car insurance for a 25 year old female?

Rough cost of insurance group 17 cars?

Hi all, I'm looking at a Lotus Elise for my next car. Its insurance group 17 and I'm 25 with nearly two years no claims. Anyone know roughly what the insurance would be? Thanks xx""

Is it illegal to drive with no car business insurance if i'm a delivery driver?

would it be illegal if i get stopped by police while doing deliverys for pizza hut and i dont have business car insurance? or is it okay to just have personal insurance and do deliverys.. thanks in advance

Is a tree house covered under insurance?

We are thinking of creating a tree house to use as a office and need to know if it is covered under the home owner insurance or will new insurance and coverage be required. Bonus: Will property tax go up?

Why are my insurance quotes so high?

I am trying to get car insurance and all the quotes I'm getting are about 100 dollars a month. I'm in highschool and any of my friends get theirs for like 60 a month. I have a perfect driving history and still it's too high.

How much would my insurance be is I have 4 points against my license?

I gotten 2 speeding tickets within 6 months (4 points in south carolina...I have a good reason to be speeding!)...I am currently uninsured but my vehicle (2000 Honda CR-V) is insured under my mom's insurance with Geico... I'm 19 years old and soon I will have to register my own vehicle and get insured...my mom doesn't know that I have tickets. I go to college and I'm a pretty good student (4.0) would I get a discount with that? Also, what is the cheapest insurance? Thanks!""

What Car insurance should i get at 18 years old?

I am an 18 year old who is unemployed. I need car insurance that is cheap and is helpful. I need to know how much insurance is.

What is the best auto insurance carrier?

Hi everyone. I am shopping for car insurance and want to know the best but most affordable out there. My mother thought to put me on her policy with Progressive and I would pay her for the insurance, but they were going to charge her over $500.00 to do so. My friend has gotten into two accidents and hasn't had to pay nearly that much , and neither did her dad when he put her on his policy. So my question is, which is the best, most affordable insurance? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thank you. :D""

Best Florida homeowners insurance? Specifically Ft. Lauderdale area?

I am in charge of finding a new home insurance company for my boss to use since State Farm will be dropping their South Florida people. Any suggestions? Who have all you South Floridians had an excellent experience with as far as rates, service, and coverage? Thanks.""

Does anyone know the approximate cost of insurance for an 06 Golf GTI for a 16 year old driver in illinois?

Does anyone know the approximate cost of insurance for an 06 Golf GTI for a 16 year old driver in illinois?

""What would a $50,000 cadillac cost per month? + insurance?""

im looking into the cadillac sts (sp=47,000 - 78,000) and i want to know the monthly cost.. $275,000 yearly income (get paid yearly).. which is about $23,000 a month combined. take into account teenager insurance which i heard can be brutal and also... would buying this car stretch my finances? i dont want my family to be uncomfortable for just a car. like someone earlier told me 1k a month for my car payment but i want to know the other estimates""

Who is the cheapest insurance company for first cars?

i am a female, and i am just wanting to buy a cheap first car""

HELP! Do I need car insurance if I don't own a car and don't drive much in the state of Florida?

I am 16 years old and State Farm is calling me and it is getting annoying. I don't own a car and I don't drive much. When I do drive I borrow the car that is under my sister's name. My parent's don't drive. My dad's license is expired and he doesn't drive anymore, and my mom doesn't know how to drive at all. I keep hearing conflicting things, some say that it is a law in the state of Florida (where I live) that anyone with a license needs to have insurance, while others say that it is not necessary to have insurance if you don't own a vehicle and don't drive much. My question is: Do I need car insurance in the state of Florida if I do not own a car and don't drive much? Thanks!""

How do I find past articles. The 1 about cheap car insurance spacificaly?

my email account is freeme1969@yahoo.com

Car insurance/medical question.?

I recently got into a car accident..and had to make a recorded statement over the phone to my car insurance company NJ Cure....about the accident..they asked...did you take any prescription medication that day? I said yes I take Lexapro...Nj cure replied...oh we didnt know u were taking prescription meds...I replied...u guys never asked in the renewal policy. My Question is this.....CAN THEY RAISE OR DROP MY INSURANCE COVERAGE SINCE I AM ON MEDICINE PRESCRIBED BY MY DOCTOR???

How much do you think it would cost to insure a 19 year old driver?

How much do you think it would cost to insure a 19 year old driver?

How is insurance on a 2004 GLI?

I am a 17 year old High School Student I am a male and make Good grades, How much would insurance be on a 2004 VW GLI. Most of the cars I've been looking at are way to expensive to insure. Does it being a 4 door sedan lower the price at all.""

I got a ticket which doesn't put points on my license. Could it affect my insurance rates?

I was a passenger in my friend's car when he was ticketed for having an open container of alcohol in the backseat. This occurred in Illinois, and the text of the relevant law is at the bottom. He was ticketed for violating section A; I was ticketed for section B. I confirmed with the very nice lady at the DMV that no points will be placed on my license since I was the passenger, but she was unsure as to what kind of report will be sent to the Secretary of State's office to be added to my driving record. So, here's my question: since I'm not getting any points for this, is it likely to affect my insurance rates? I can see both possibilities - on the non-affect side, it's a non-moving violation, but on the yes-affect side, it involves alcohol (albeit peripherally in my specific situation). If the consensus is that it will make my rates go up, I am going to try to get court supervision. If not, I'll try to save the extra money that would cost. Sec. 11-502. Transportation or possession of alcoholic liquor in a motor vehicle. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c), no driver may transport, carry, possess or have any alcoholic liquor within the passenger area of any motor vehicle upon a highway in this State except in the original container and with the seal unbroken. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (c), no passenger may carry, possess or have any alcoholic liquor within any passenger area of any motor vehicle upon a highway in this State except in the original container and with the seal unbroken.""

Are red cars more expensive to insure and why?

Are red cars more expensive to insure and why?

Car Insurance Cost in NYC?

I have a question regarding car insurance. I'm 29 years old. I've been in 3 car accidents but was not at fault for any of them (2 of the times my car was sitting still! lol) and I've never gotten a ticket for any of those accidents. I used to have insurance through State Farm, full coverage for a 2004 Jeep Liberty that cost 50-60 a month in upstate NY. While driving to NYC one winter I got a speeding ticket, my first ticket ever! I was going I think 82(?) in a 65. This was just before I moved to NYC, and because I got the ticket in a podunk little county I was driving through I had no idea what the name was, the ticket flew out my door and I lost it. I figured they would mail me something else to tell me the payment was late but I never received anything else about it. Well I found out later it was because I moved, even though I moved about 2 months after the fact they wait quite a while to send another notice, and I never received it. Thus, my license was suspended but I never knew. I never got caught driving without it either. So I moved here in 2007 with my Jeep which I was very behind payments for, and then it got towed away for alternate side parking BS. I could have borrowed the money back then to pay to get it out but I let it go. Alright so long story short, I don't have the truck, it was auctioned. I'll be done paying for it through a collection agency settlement offer this May. If I had kept the truck, I would be paying 200+ more a month than I pay now, and I wouldn't have been done paying it til August 2011. Plus I would have had to pay to catch it up the 3 months I was behind, plus pay my boyfriends brother back who was willing to lend me the money to get it out of the car jail (lol) I had the suspension lifted last July so I could rent a car, again no issues. So I'm thinking of buying a 2,000 car (cash! I learned my lesson) in June when I'm done paying for the truck and I want to get no fault insurance. I know it will be a lot more here then what I used to pay, and in addition I now have a suspension that wasn't there before. How much do you guys have to pay for your insurance, if it's not too much information to ask? And how much do you think mine might be, or compare your cost and history to mine? Thanks.""

Does having a coupe make your insurance go up?

I'm am planning to get a Honda civic and i was wondering if have a coupe would increase my insurance rates ...... and also does having that same car in red make it go up too ??? thanks for all the help :D

Will my parents find out about my car accident through insurance?

i was in an accident and mind you im 17 years old, i have insurance. the thing is i was driving my friends car. someone crashed into me after running a redlight so it was their fault. the police told me i still have to contact my insurance co. to report the accident (even if there was no injury or deaths) im wondering if i report it will this show up on anything in my dads paperwork? since he manages all this stuff. the police told me there wont be any report. so if i report it over the phone what will happen? i have AIG by the way . thank you.""

""If i own a car, can someone else be the named driver on insurance?""

I own a car under finance, but i cannot drive the car anymore. is it possible for another person to insure themselves on the car and be the main user of it?""

What's a reasonable price I should pay a car mechanic for an alarm certificate for insurance purposes?

UK question My car insurance company requires written evidence from a car garage that my car has a factory fitted alarm. How much should I pay them for this?

Insurance claim and deductible questions?

I scratched somebody's car while they were parked, so it was my fault. Damages were minor. Since my car is old and I've dropped coverage on my own car (I have coverage for the other car), I have no plan to fix mine. And the other party offered to settle on our own and not go to the insurance company. So, the questions are: 1. If I claim to my insurance company, how much out-of-pocket do I have to pay? His deductible? Or $0 (since I am not fixing mine)? 2. Would my insurance rate will go up even though I have a clean, no at-fault, claim for at least 10 years? 3. Is this settle on our own legal? And anything to watch out for? 4. What would you do if you were me? Thanks much!""

What is Rating of policyholdersfor auto insurance?

When you are talking about car insurance...what does rating of policyholder mean?

Insurance for a 17 year old?

Hello I'm a 17 year old male that lives in Palm Springs, California that is curious to know how much insurance would cost for these cars. 1.) 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.) 2005 Nissan 350Z 3.) 1999 Jaguar XK8 4.) 2007 Infiniti G35 5.) 2005 BMW 545i If you can help me by giving an estimate would help greatly. Thank you, Asker""

What is the average cost for car insurance for a first time driver and where can I get it?

What is the average cost for car insurance for a first time driver and where can I get it?

I want to get my own car but I can't because of my parent's insurance?

So my parents have an insurance plan where they are covered with both of their cars and my sisters car is listed as an extra car to save money. I'm about to turn 17 and I've had my drivers license since October. I've been driving around my mom's car but I want to get my own. I've even offered to keep my moms car and give her my own money for her to get a new car if she wanted. I've been saving money for my own car since I was ten. So basically my parents can't add another car on their insurance because my insurance company would find out about me driving it. I'm pissed because I have all the money for my own used car and I'm a safe and responsible driver, but I'm forced to use my mom's car. I'm not that type of kid who wants a new flashy car to go with the crowd, I just want something of my own so I have no time restrictions. I can't go anywhere without my mom calling me asking for her car. I know I can't afford my own insurance, so what can I do insurance wise to get my own car?""

Any reccomendations for a good dental insurance??

i have health insurance through my job, but they do not offer dental.""

Should I buy car insurance or not?

I am a teenage driver of 16. Insurance is very high for a teenager. My parents have Allstate Car Insurance for four of their cars including a Toyota Corolla which im going to be driving. The Corolla is covered by AllState insurance. I have a California Driver's License and live in California. About 6 months ago, my mom asked the insurance company whether the insurance would cover the car if she lent the car to someone and the insurance company said that they would cover the car as soon as the person who borrowed the car has a VALID DRIVERS LICENSE. I have a valid drivers license but I am under 18 (I am 16). The insurance person did not say anything about age. My question is whether it is necessary or not to buy insurance for myself. It will be very expensive and I do not want to pay for it but I will If i have to. Do I have to get my own insurance for the car or not? If I dont buy insurance and I drive the corolla and get pulled over, am I okay or will I have problems?""

If there is no damage to either cars then how much would insurance rates go up for the person who caused it?

i was in a accident today and this hood girl came out of nowhere but the only damage that occured was the front tag of my car came off and her car has no damage. How much will my insurance rates go up.

""If you install an aftermarket radio incorrectly, and your car catches fire will insurance cover it?""

If you install an aftermarket radio incorrectly, and your car catches fire will insurance cover it?""

Car insurance switching cars after 2months?

Bought a car from auction and got it insured ( my first car) but not liking it so looking to re-sell at auction. Just wondering how the insurance will work if i wan tto change it to a new car after such a short time??? willl it cost me alot to change ] thanks

Can I buy term life insurance for my aunt who lives in CA?

I live in Florida and was just wondering if I can purchase a term life insurance policy for my aunt in California? Will the term life insurance policy be in my name or her name, because I will be paying for the policy?""

How can I get cheaper car insurance?

Im 17 and just got my full uk driving licence and got a car it's a Subaru 2.0r sport but insurance is 7-8k for my own policy but 3500 if I am a second driver but is that Ilegal

Can I trust American Health Insurance?

I'm going to an American university and I have to buy student health cover. How trustworthy is it actually? If I get sick, will the insurance just say that my injury/illness isn't covered and left me to die - even if it's an insurance company that the university requires students to buy insurance from??""

Car insurance for a 1993 Toyota Celica? ?

How much would car insurance be for a 1993 Toyota Celica? I will be 21 in August, have a clean driving record, no accidents, married with a child. I am a full time college student with a 3.2 GPA. How much should I expect for car insurance per month? The car has 160,000 miles on it. Please, no advertising websites, just real answers. Thanks!""

Car insurance coverage?

If i have a provisional license in California (been driving for under a year) and I get in a accident with someone in my car under the age of 20 years old, will my car insurance still cover it? I know I am not supposed to be driving anyone yet but I am trying to prove a point to my dad! Please help! thanks:)""

Why do insurance companies charge first and last?

I had a nice Allstate agent call me and discuss my insurance with me, give me a lower rate and then come pay time, tell me that they require first and last. When I asked her why the last, she could not provide a good answer. I know not all insurance companies do this, but what is the point? When asked when I would get the last back, she said when I cancel my policy some day!! What if I don't want to cancel..ever? This does not make sense to me at all. Why keep my money there for nothing? When one does cancel the policy, do they get the money back with interest on that? Once confronted with these questions, the agent was not so nice any more. Can someone please answer the above?""

Insurance Quotes vs Age Gender Income Etc?

Hi, Currently Insured through State Farm and paying $250.00 a month for Full Coverage. Im 20yrs old. I have a 2006 Chevy Silverado 2500 hd 4wd , making 40k-50k a year. Insurance is a little too much... Am i over paying?""

How can I lower my car insurance?

I have a 2010 Chevy cobalt LT. I pay $420 a month for insurance! I understand I'm 21, and it's a sports car. But I've been driving for 5 years, I've never got in a crash nor gotten any tickets. Why could this be? I know lots of younger people with much more expensive cars but they don't pay nearly as much.""

What's some places to check for cheap auto insurance?

I realise that this is not a P&S question, but Cars & Transportation > Insurance & Registration is a deadbeat section. I probably should ask this in R&S since most of you are 12.""

Math question about cars and insurance?

I make 10 dollars an hour, full time job, 80+ hour checks with about 100 dollars in commission monthly. (1700 a month before taxes). I have to pay my rent, 325, my electric, 200 a month, and my phone bill- 40 dollars a month. My internet is 15 a month. How much do you think I could pay for a car, and insurance for a car without going broke? As in, what kind of price brackets should I stay in? I've been driving a car that's paid off since I was 16, now that car is falling apart. I need help, I've never done this before! :) Thanks!""

Cost of 2005 bmw 745li insurance?

im 16 ill be gettin mine when im 17 whats the average insurance cost for a 2005 bmw 745li

How much is car insurance for a 16 year old living in southern Cali?

Lets say he has good grades. Lets also say the parents of this child have great credit scores. I cant get online qoutes because he is not over 18. Any estimates? Anthing would help. Thank you.

Getting Car Insurance?

I'm getting married and because I'm moving to another state I'm having to switch from one insurance for my car to another. My question is this, how much up front money will it cost to get insurance for me and my wife? For example, will they need a deposit, or expect a certain number of months up front? Also if anyone could refer me to a good insurance company, I live in Alabama near Birmingham I 'm considering either state farm or alfa. Thanks!""

Cheap health insurance?

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[andrewdburton]

How to use barriers and pre-commitment to do the right things with your money

Three thousand years ago, there lived a great hero named Ulysses (or Odysseus, if you prefer), king of Ithaca, champion of the Trojan War, and, it turns out, pioneer of personal finance.

Ulysses wrestled Ajax, retrieved the body of Achilles (the hero shot in his heel), and devised the clever Trojan horse, which allowed the Greek army to infiltrate Troy and end the decade-long struggle.

When the conflict was over, Ulysses spent another ten years desperately trying to sail home to Ithaca. He visited the lotus-eaters, was captured by (and escaped from) the cyclops, evaded both cannibals and the witch-god Circe. He slipped past the six-headed monster Scylla and the whirlpool called Charybdis. After all these troubles (and more!), Ulysses reached Ithaca and regained his throne.

Ulysses was mighty. He was tough, both mentally and physically. But he was only human.

Like anyone, he was subject to temptation. He was deceitful. He was rash. He sometimes shirked responsibility. (He and his men wasted an entire year on Circe’s island “feasting upon an untold quantity both of meat and wine”.) Most of all, Ulysses was proud. Immodest. Boastful.

Fortunately, Ulysses was also self-aware.

In an episode combining both his strength and weakness of character, Ulysses decides he wants to hear the seductive song of the Sirens. Foolish, yes, and he knows it. Because he realizes he’s doing something dumb, Ulysses orders his men to prepare for possible problems. He plugs their ears with wax.

But first he commands: “Take me and bind me to the crosspiece half way up the mast; bind me as I stand upright, with a bond so fast that I cannot possibly break away, and lash the rope’s ends to the mast itself. If I beg and pray you to set me free, then bind me more tightly still.”

“Come here,” the Sirens sing. “No one ever sailed past us without staying to hear the enchanting sweetness of our song.”

No one, that is, until Ulysses.

The Power of Barriers and Pre-Commitment

By planning in advance, Ulysses escaped destruction. He and his men survived because he pre-committed to the correct course of action and established a barrier between willpower and temptation.

Like Ulysses, a money boss understands that pre-commitment is a powerful tool. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful tools in personal finance.

Because we’re human, we each have weaknesses. For me, it’s books and comics and travel gear. For you it might be shoes or tech toys or fancy restaurants. Like Ulysses, you want to find a way to bind yourself to the metaphorical mast so that you cannot be lured to your destruction. You want to use pre-commitment to make it difficult to do dumb things.

When I was digging out of debt, I was frequently seduced by the siren song of books and comics. I knew it was dangerous for me to walk into a bookstore or comic shop, but I did so all the same. I spent a lot of money because I was foolish. (In 2006, I spent $692.96 on books and $3202.91 on comics. Yikes!)

As I started to master my money, I discovered ways to “tie myself to the mast”, to resist temptation.

For instance, I found that if I didn’t enter bookstores or visit Amazon, I wouldn’t buy books. If I didn’t walk into a comic store, I wouldn’t buy comics. By refusing to even browse, I had pre-committed to doing the right thing. My spending on books and comics plummeted, and I began to repay my debt more quickly.

This experience taught me an important lesson about pre-commitment: The best way to resist temptation is to never be tempted. Obvious, I know, but it’s shocking how many people overspend simply because they expose themselves to the object of their desire.

Avoiding temptation is a great barrier to bad behavior, but there are plenty of other ways to practice pre-commitment.

Some experts advise that if you have trouble with debt, you should freeze your credit cards in a block of ice. Although it sounds crazy, this can be an effective deterrent for chronic debtors. I had to take things further when I was in bad shape. I destroyed my credit cards and hid the account numbers. (Even that wasn’t enough. Ultimately I had to cancel the accounts!)

I used to find it hard to build savings. As quickly as I put money away, I spent it. Part of the problem was easy access. My checking account and savings account were held at the same credit union. Eventually, I got wise to myself. I moved my savings account to a different bank (an online savings account) and established a link between the two. When I got paid, I put my money into savings first. I only moved money to checking when I needed it. This one act made a huge difference to my impulse spending.

When I go grocery shopping, I use a list. I walk to the store instead of drive. I shop the perimeter. I consciously avoid looking at the impulse items at the cash register. Each of these is an intentional barrier I build between me and bad choices. (All the same, I occasionally make it home with a bag of chips or six-pack of beer. Or a fruit pie.)

Barriers are like walls. When used strategically, they prevent you from doing the things you wish you wouldn’t do. Unfortunately, barriers can sometimes prevent you from doing the things you do want to do. That’s okay. Pre-commitment can help you build walls you want, but it can also help tear down barriers to financial freedom.

Do the Right Thing — Automatically

My cousin Nick has always been good with money — for the most part. His earning far outpaces his spending, and he uses his profits to invest for the future. But he used to have a costly problem caused by a simple barrier: envelopes.

When he came home from work, Nick would toss his mail on a table. He was tired and didn’t want to hassle with opening bills and writing checks. (This was in the olden days — like 1995.)

Over days and weeks, the stack of mail would grow into a paper mountain. The longer he delayed dealing with the bills and notices, the more onerous the task became. He dreaded it. And because he dreaded it, he continued to ignore the fact that his bills were now past due.

Eventually, of course, he would have to deal with the problem. He’d set aside a Saturday morning to open his mail and pay his bills. It took a long time, which he hated, and he also had to pay late fees and interest charges, which he hated even more. After he’d finished, this cycle would begin again.

All of this because of a simple barrier: the act of opening mail after work and dealing with bills immediately.

Nick’s story isn’t unique. In fact, I’ve struggled with a similar problem in the past. After becoming the boss of my own life, however, I’ve used a couple of tools to destroy the “envelope barrier” — and other obstacles between me and financial success.

First, and most importantly, I’ve learned to love automation. Automation removes roadblocks to good behavior.

When I set up automatic bill payments, for instance, I no longer had to worry about bills piling up on my desk. I also used automation to start saving for retirement. I had 401(k) contributions deducted from my paycheck, and I scheduled monthly transfers to my Roth IRA account. When I decided to eliminate my mortgage, I established automatic payments with an extra amount built in. And so on.

Removing me from the equation made my entire financial life run more smoothly. Automation made financial success almost inevitable! It certainly made it much easier to do the right thing.

Exercise This week, I want you to discover the power of pre-commitment. Ready? Set aside one hour of uninterrupted time. Grab pen and paper.

First, review your financial goals and personal mission statement. Also look through your monthly financial statements. What can you automate? Debt installments? Retirement contributions? Extra mortgage payments? What about using a money-management tool like Mint or YNAB?

Next, think about where you’re weak with money. Where do you spend too much? What tempts you? Pick three problem areas you’d like to address. For each, brainstorm three ways you might be able to “bind yourself to the mast” like Ulysses to avoid temptation. How can you create barriers between you and bad behavior? Do date nights with cash instead of a credit card? Block Amazon from your web browser?

The final step, of course, is to put these ideas into practice. Pre-commit to doing the right thing.

Sometimes, like Ulysses, you need to pre-commit to the right action by building barriers to temptation. You need to bind yourself to the mast. Other times, you need to try the opposite approach, practicing pre-commitment by tearing down walls.

In either case, your goal is to the same. Instead of being your own worst enemy when it comes to money, you want to become your best ally in the fight for financial freedom.

Note: I’m migrating old Money Boss material to Get Rich Slowly — including the articles that describe the “Money Boss method”. This is the ninth of those articles.

Part one answered the question, “What is financial independence?”

Part two looked at why you should run your life like a business.

Part three explained how to write a personal mission statement.

Part four explored the importance of saving rate.

Part five showed why the best way to spend less is to cut back on the big stuff.

Part six was all about how to earn more money.

Part seven peeked at opportunity costs and conscious spending.

Part eight delved into my investment strategy and philosophy.

Look for further installments in the “Money Boss method” series twice a week until they’ve all been transferred from the old site.

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